Front Page Kids

Center for Puppetry Arts Launches Out-of-this-World Adventure with Space! January 26-March 11

2012-01-18T14:44:00.000-05:00

Extraterrestrial Guides Take Families on Educational Journey through the Solar System

This January, Center for Puppetry Arts invites families on an intergalactic journey of discovery. Space! takes the audience on a fun-filled rock-n-roll exploration of the cosmos. Performances will be January 26 through March 11.

A not-to-miss adventure, Space! blasts off with a rocking band of extraterrestrial musicians. Astronomy fans can learn out-of-this-world facts about planets, stars, meteors and more. They can feel the gravitational pull with Sir Isaac Newton, gaze at Saturn's rings with Galileo and rock out on the asteroid belt. Ever wonder what fuels the sun or where the planets got their names? Find out in this galactic trip filled with cosmic special effects and an eclectic musical score fit for a universe as vast and diverse as our own.

Space! is written and directed by Jon Ludwig with music composed by John Cerreta. Blending rod, shadow and blacklight puppetry with projections, this show offers a unique take on science for families, schools and other groups. Kids can bop along to 15 original songs, gaze with awe at hundreds of NASA images and get silly with a host of unusual characters.

Space!, part of the 2011-12 Family Series at Center for Puppetry Arts, will be presented in the Mainstage Theater January 26 through March 11. Show times are as follows:

January 26-March 4:

· Tuesday—Friday: 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
· Saturday: 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
· Sunday: 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

March 6-11

· Tuesday—Friday: 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
· Saturday: 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
· Sunday: 2:00 p.m.

Single show tickets include admission to the Museum Exhibits as well as the Create-A-Puppet Workshop, where kids can make their own Extraterrestrial Hand Puppet.

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR $9.25 (MEMBERS) AND $16.50 (NONMEMBERS) AND CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT WWW.PUPPET.ORG OR BY CALLING THE TICKET SALES OFFICE AT 404-873-3391.

Inaugural Kidsfest Event Planned for October 1, 2011

2011-08-16T16:51:00.000-04:00

Kids, grab your friends and family and do not miss the Atlanta-area’s premier Kidsfest event! Sponsored by the City of Avondale Estates and presented by The Museum School of Avondale Estates, Kidsfest will be held October 1, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the intersection of Pine Street and Franklin Street in quaint Avondale Estates. Admission is free, and activity wrist bands will be sold onsite. All proceeds benefit The Museum School and will be used for much-needed school resources.

“Avondale Estates is proud to sponsor the inaugural Kidsfest event,” says Ed Rieker, Mayor of Avondale Estates. “We are proud of our little museum town and look forward to welcoming children, families, and kids at heart for this special event. In Avondale Estates, you will find a unique community, with great businesses, in an in-town location. It's going to be a wonderful day and a fun family experience.”

“The Museum School is pleased to be working with the City of Avondale Estates and its many great sponsors to present the community's first Kidsfest,” said Katherine Kelbaugh, principal of The Museum School of Avondale Estates. “This event is centered around children and families and promises to bring fun to kids of all ages. Kidsfest is shaping up to be one of the must-attend fall festivals in the Atlanta area, and we hope that everyone will mark their calendars to join us on October 1.”

Headline entertainment for the extravaganza is nationally known performing group Laughing Pizza (www.laughingpizza.com ), who will embark later this fall on a national PBS tour. Laughing Pizza is widely recognized from their music videos and appearances on PBS, and their award-winning “Let’s Go Play” CD is now available on Amazon.com and iTunes .

Kidsfest will kick off with a Fun Run/Walk and will feature four “hands-on” areas or “Kid Zones.” These include:

Visual Arts – Art is fun. Activities will include hands-on art as well as displayed art (via a special kids’ gallery) for all to enjoy. This is also a great area to get your face painted, help create a mural, make puppets, and more.
Performing Arts – Don’t miss special musical performances by nationally known kids entertainers, local children’s choirs and dance studios, storytellers, and more. Kids can make their own musical instruments, and there will be balloons and bubbles galore.
Sports and Wellness – All sizes definitely play here. This zone is for kids of every age. It’s time to get moving, shaking, and jumping with bounce houses and fun activities designed to get attendees active and engaged.
Food / Nutrition – Do not miss the “good eats” from favorite Atlanta-area eateries for all to enjoy. Food trucks are welcome here.

To secure a Kidsfest booth or to become a Kidsfest 2011 Founding, Activity/Event, or Explorer sponsor, please contact Kidsfest Co-chairs Angela Fisher and Kris Hammett at Tms.pto@themuseumschool.org .

The Kidsfest logo design was created by local Decatur artist Valerie Davis of Valerie Davis Designs.

For more information, visit www.kidsfestga.com , the Kidfest community page on Facebook, or follow Kidsfest (kidsfestga) on Twitter! To speak with a Kidsfest representative, please contact Gina Hill at gina_greene@hotmail.com or 404-558-8808.

Paul Mesner Puppets Presents Martha Speaks at Center for Puppetry Arts

2011-07-01T07:39:00.000-04:00

The Best-Selling Books Come to Life on Stage
Based on the best-selling “Martha” books by Susan Meddaugh, and produced by special arrangements with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and WGBH Educational Foundation, Center for Puppetry Arts invites audiences to see Martha jump off the pages onto the stage in Martha Speaks. Dog lovers and kids of all ages will be charmed by Paul Mesner Puppets’ rendition of the popular book and PBS animated series.

When the family feeds alphabet soup to their dog Martha, the letters go to her brain instead of her stomach, and Martha begins to speak. Having a talking dog is not as fun as it seems and the family starts to wish their verbose canine had a mute button.

WHEN: July 19-31, 2011
Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 3 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.

WHERE: Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

For more information, please call 404-873-3391 or visit www.puppet.org

CREATE-A-PUPPET WORKSHOP
Included in the ticket cost is admission to the Create-A-Puppet Workshop, where visitors can experience the thrill of puppetry by creating their own Talking Dog Hand Puppet or pick up a Create-A-Puppet To-Go Kit to continue the fun at home!

Investigate all kinds of puppets in the Center’s permanent museum PUPPETS: The Power of Wonder as well as three exclusive exhibits featuring the work of Jim Henson. Also, be sure to take a look at the newest items in our collection in Passports: New Arrivals from the World of Puppetry. Please visit www.puppet.org for more information on the Museum and Special Exhibits.

TICKETINGTickets for patrons two and older are $16.50 and include admission to the performance, Create-A-Puppet Workshop (or Create-A-Puppet To-Go Kit), and all museum exhibits. Membership and group rates are available. ORDER TICKETS ONLINE AT WWW.PUPPET.ORG OR CALL THE TICKET SALES OFFICE AT: 404-873-3391.

Center for Puppetry Arts Hosts “Circus Days” to Welcome CINDERELLA DELLA CIRCUS, June 18 and 19

2011-06-06T20:46:00.002-04:00

The circus is coming! The circus is coming! To welcome the opening weekend of Cinderella Della Circus, Center for Puppetry Arts will be giving away clown noses to the first 50 kids who arrive in costume on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June19. Children are invited to come dressed as Cinderella or the Handsome Prince, or even an elephant, a clown or an acrobat - anything found under the big top.

But wait - there’s even more circus fun! Visitors can take silly photos at the Cinderella Della Circus Photo Board and post photos to the Center’s Facebook wall, or tag photos on Twitter or Flickr with #puppetnoses to be added to the Center’s Clown Family Album. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the Center’s museum exhibition, Puppets: The Power of Wonder, temporarily re-named Barnum’s Museum Midway, complete with puppet animals, creatures and performers from around the world.

WHAT: Circus Days at the Center for Puppetry Arts
Fun activities and free clown noses to the first 50 children in costume

WHEN: Saturday, June 18, 2011, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 19, 2011, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

HOW: FREE with the purchase of an admission ticket
Clown noses will be given to the first 50 children who arrive in costume. Limit 1 clown nose per child.

For more information on this event, please visit http://www.puppet.org/perform/cinderelladella11.shtml

Tickets to CINDERELLA DELLA CIRCUS, at the Center for Puppetry Arts from June 16 – July 17, are available at the Center Ticket Office, online at www.puppet.com or by calling 404.873.3391. General Admission Tickets are $16.50; Member Tickets are $9.25; tickets include Create-A-Puppet Workshop and Museum.

Meet Dora and Diego at Party for the Planet

2011-04-22T12:01:00.000-04:00

Children’s favorites Dora and Diego and two eager troops of egg-hunting gorillas will headline as featured attractions at Party for the Planet presented by Georgia Natural Gas and Downey Trees on Saturday, April 23 at Zoo Atlanta.

The popular characters from the world-famous animated series Dora the Explorer appear live for exclusive meet-and-greets throughout the event. Additional highlights will include green exhibitors, arts and crafts, and an earthworm dig during a dynamic day of family Earth Day fun.

Later that afternoon, it’s time for ready-set-go as western lowland gorillas collect treats during the Zoo’s annual gorilla egg hunt. In what has become a favorite spring tradition in Atlanta, the gentle giants will hunt for hidden Jell-O eggs at 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. in The Ford African Rain Forest.

Party for the Planet is free for Zoo Members and children under 3; free with general admission. Visit zooatlanta.org for tickets and details.

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Camp is on Target! Summer Archery Camps Combine All Things Outdoors

2011-04-22T11:58:00.000-04:00

Designed with everything outdoors in mind, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division’s summer archery camps aim to educate and engage adventurous youth. Registration is now open for several camps, some beginning as early as May!

“Archery camp is going to be a great experience for campers with lots of fun-filled outdoor adventures,” says Jen Pittman, shooting sports program manager with the Wildlife Resources Division. “This is a great opportunity to develop archery skills and to expose children to the exciting outdoor opportunities around them.”

Campers should expect constant activity, including target practice, fishing, outdoor exploration, wildlife identification and hunter safety presentations. Archery camps are intended for youth ages 9-14. To register, an archery camp registration packet must be completed and turned in along with payment to the Wildlife Resources Division.

For more information on summer archery camps, visit www.georgiawildlife.com , select “Education,” “Shooting Sports” and “Archery Summer Day Camp.”

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75 Drownings and Near-Drownings in 15 Weeks

2011-04-22T11:50:00.002-04:00

With the summer swimming season just around the corner, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives campaign is releasing its 2011 television and radio public service announcements (PSAs) highlighting various water safety steps that can be taken to save a life. In the first few months of 2011, there have been 37 drownings and 38 near-drowning incidents reported by the media across America. Developed with the campaign's national partners the American Red Cross and the Y, the PSAs are being released nationally today urging parents and children to adopt as many safety steps as possible in and around pools and spas. The Pool Safely campaign is the federal government's first-of-its-kind national public education effort to reduce child drownings and near-drownings in swimming pools and spas.

"As the summer swimming season approaches, our message to parents and caregivers is simple: stay safe in and around pools and spas by practicing as many safety steps as possible. This includes staying close to children at all times, knowing water safety skills like CPR, and ensuring anti-entrapment drain covers are installed in all pools and spas," said Inez Tenenbaum, Chairman of the CPSC.

The PSAs introduce four families and their stories about the simple steps that save lives: door alarms, knowledge of CPR, fencing around pools and spas and safety drain covers in pools and spas. The radio PSAs promote the importance of swimming lessons as a simple step that saves lives. Available to local television and radio stations in both English and Spanish, the English-language versions feature Ming-Na, the voice of Mulan in Disney animated films and star of the NBC drama "ER", "The Joy Luck Club" and "Stargate Universe". You can watch the PSA here.

"So many of the drowning and near-drowning incidents that happen every year are preventable and every drowning and near-drowning is a terrible tragedy."concluded Tenenbaum.

CPSC Chairman Tenenbaum delivered a keynote speech at the National Drowning Prevention Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado last week. Her address at the nation's premiere water safety and drowning prevention conference focused on CPSC's role in preventing drowning, the Pool Safely campaign and its efforts to encourage compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which mandated a national public education campaign about drowning and entrapment prevention. Tenenbaum also provided an update on the campaign and efforts to sustain drowning prevention advocacy through education, training and partnerships.

Since January 2010, the Pool Safely campaign has responded to over 600 media-reported drowning, near-drowning and entrapment incidents. Steps such as staying close to children at all times, learning water safety skills and having the appropriate equipment, can help families have a safer experience in and around pools and spas.

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Borders Stores in Greater Atlanta Host Afternoon of Free Fun with LEGO® Event for Kids Saturday, March 26

2011-03-24T09:46:00.000-04:00

Saturday, March 26 at 2 p.m.

Great LEGO® building fun is in store for kids ages 8-12 at Borders stores in Atlanta and surrounding areas. Up to 50 kids who attend Borders' free LEGO event will receive a free LEGO Racer, which they will have fun assembling at the event! Youngsters will also enjoy a number of racing-themed activities including a Checkered Flag art project, Pit Crew games as well as other games. (Events and activities may vary by store.)

Kids are encouraged to sign up at their local Borders to attend the Borders LEGO event. Visit www.borders.com and click on the Store Locator link for participating locations.

Borders – Midtown
650 Ponce de Leon, Ste. 500
Atlanta, GA 30308

Borders – East Cobb
4475 Roswell Rd.
Marietta, GA 30062

Borders – Lithonia
8000 Mall Pkwy.
Lithonia, GA 30038

Borders – Douglasville
6594 Douglas Blvd.
Douglasville, GA 30135

LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2011 The LEGO Group

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Kids at Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club Take on the Guinness World Record for Jumping Jacks

2011-03-23T11:04:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Records are made to be broken and a Guinness World Record was likely shattered thanks to the help of kids right here in Atlanta. On March 22, more than 153 members of the Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club joined their peers from more than 1,000 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country to break the Guinness World Record for the most people doing "jumping jacks" – or "star jumps."

As part of National Boys &a Girls Club Week (March 20-26), Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) embarked on this initiative with its Clubs across the country through the organization's Triple Play program. This program, supported by founding sponsor, Coca-Cola, and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) Foundation, encourages kids to eat healthier, become more physically active and increase their ability to engage in healthy relationships.

"Living healthy, active lifestyles puts young people on a pathway to a great future," said Missy Dugan, Interim CPO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. "By jumping their way into history, they proved that you don't need fancy equipment or a gym membership to get active and be healthy. Fitness can start with something as simple as a jumping jack!"

To break the current record, more than 278 kids needed to complete the attempt. While the official verdict will come from Guinness in a couple of weeks, all indications are that the record has been broken.

"The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation is committed to improving health in our communities and is proud to help bring the Triple Play program to Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the state," said Morgan Kendrick, president, BCBSGa. "By helping our kids learn healthy habits at a young age, we can give them the tools they need to live their healthiest, longest lives possible, and maybe even break some records along the way."

"Coca-Cola is proud to support the Triple Play initiative in partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation," said Quinton Martin, vice president, community marketing. "Research shows that this program is working – Triple Play is succeeding in getting kids to exercise more, eat a variety of foods and feel good about themselves. We are committed to promoting programs that help children, teens and adults live active, healthy lifestyles."

Nearly one-third of children and teens in the U.S. are obese or overweight, according to multiple studies. Children and adults can avoid these devastating diseases by adopting and maintaining healthy habits early on.

Jumping jacks are called star jumps in some countries, because the arms, legs and head form a five-pointed star. The record is defined as, "the most people star jumping simultaneously at multiple venues for two consecutive minutes," according to Guinness World Records.

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How to Talk to Kids About Tragedies, Disasters: Tips From World Vision

2011-03-16T12:10:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- As information increases about the devastation of Japan's earthquake and tsunami, our children will likely see disturbing news footage and have questions about this tragedy. Below are several suggestions on how to talk with children about this disaster and its impact.

These tips are provided by Christian humanitarian organization World Vision. World Vision has worked in Japan for more than two decades and responded to the massive Kobe earthquake in 1995, and now has staff assisting in the relief efforts in Sendai.

For more information on World Vision's efforts please visit www.worldvision.org/press.

Talking to kids about tragedy

Talking to children about tragedy is a job most parents would love to avoid. If only our children did not need to hear about things like this past week's devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. But of course, they do hear. And they are full of questions: Could this happen to me? What's going to happen to the children? Can I do anything to help the children I see on TV?

World Vision US, a Christian humanitarian relief organization with staff on the ground in Japan now and in numerous other relief responses each year, suggests eight ways to make a tough job a little bit easier.

1. Start by listening.

Find out what your child already knows. You can then respond in an age-appropriate way. The aim is not to worry them with the devastating details, but to protect them from misinformation they may have heard from friends or disturbing images they may have seen on television.

2. Provide clear, simple answers.

Limit your answer to the question asked and use simple language.

3. If you don't know the answer, admit it.

If your children ask questions that you can't answer, tell them so, and then do some research to try and help them sort it out. If they ask "Why did this have to happen?" don't be afraid to say "I don't know." If you are part of a faith community, the reassurance offered there can be invaluable in helping your child sort through the truth that awful things happen.

4. Follow media reports or online updates privately .

Young children in particular are easily traumatized, and seeing or hearing about the horrifying details of the quake may be more than they can cope with. Adults, too, should ensure they are dealing with their own emotions by talking to others, so they can continue to respond well to their children's needs.

5. Concentrate on making them feel safe.

When tragedies occur, children wonder if the same event could happen in their hometown. If it was an act of nature that could not be repeated in your area, tell children that. Placing themselves in the situations of victims is not all bad—it is a sign of empathy, an essential life skill, but watch for signs of excessive worrying.

6. Give children creative outlets.

Some children may not be prepared to speak about what they have heard, but may find drawing or other creative activities helpful to deal with their emotions and stress. Their drawings can be helpful starting points for conversation.

7. Model involvement and compassion.

Tell your child that, as a family, you will be helping the people in Japan by giving a donation to a reputable charity such as World Vision.

8. Give your child a chance to be involved.

Being involved in the solution will help relieve some of their anxiety. Invite them to contribute to the family's gift by giving something out of their piggy bank.

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Still Time to Register for Youth Birding Competition

2011-03-15T09:51:00.000-04:00

Young birders have only until March 31 to sign up for this year’s Youth Birding Competition, a fun and free Georgia bird-a-thon set for April 16-17.

The Youth Birding Competition is open to teams from kindergarteners to high school seniors. Everyone from experienced birders to first-timers is welcomed.

The sixth annual competition starts at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 16, and ends at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17. Teams, competing against others their age, can use as much or as little of that time to count as many birds as possible throughout Georgia. But all must arrive at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center near Mansfield by 5 p.m. Sunday. A banquet and awards ceremony is held that evening at the wildlife center.

The competition is sponsored by the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division and The Environmental Resources Network Inc., or TERN, the friends group of the Nongame Conservation Section. Georgia Ornithological Society and Atlanta Audubon Society also provide generous support. The event is aimed at focusing children on birds and cultivating a deep interest in wildlife and conservation.

For registration details, go to www.georgiawildlife.com/node/951 or contact Lacy Mitchell at Charlie Elliott Conference Center, (770) 784-3152 or lacy.mitchell@dnr.state.ga.us. Tim Keyes, at (912) 262-3191 or tim.keyes@dnr.state.ga.us, can answer questions about the competition.

2011 Youth Birding Competition

** What: Free bird-a-thon and fundraiser for youth from kindergarten through high school.

** When: April 16-17. Registration is open. Deadline to enter: March 31.

** Where: Teams can bird anywhere in the state, but must arrive at the finish line at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield by 5 p.m. April 17.

** Registration: Lacy Mitchell, Charlie Elliott Conference Center, (770) 784-3152 or lacy.mitchell@dnr.state.ga.us

** Competition contact: Tim Keyes, (912) 262-3191 or tim.keyes@dnr.state.ga.us

** More online: www.georgiawildlife.com/node/951

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Brains Before Bullets: Former State Trooper Teaches Students to Think It Out, Don't Shoot It Out

2011-03-09T09:57:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Orrin "Checkmate" Hudson, founder of BE SOMEONE, is 980,000 students away from his lifetime goal of reaching one million youngsters with his message of "making every move in life count." BE SOMEONE's latest interview on CNN speaks for itself: http://tinyurl.com/4b9ckm6

Hudson will hold his annual Spring Break Leadership Chess Camp from Monday, April 4 through Friday April 8, 2011 at 949 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. This week-long leadership camp will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with early drop-off and late pickup available. Hudson will teach his signature chess skills and offer insight and advice on the importance of making every move in life count.

Hudson has trained more than 20,000 students and is dedicated to the goal of reaching one million youngsters before he turns over the responsibility to others coming behind him. Hudson is a believer in the "paying it forward concept." He explains, "I was a young know-it-all teenager in Alabama and I was on the road to certain destruction and possibly even a premature death. But I had a teacher who saw potential in me. I'm not sure what that was but he taught me the game of chess." Hudson is quick to say that seemingly simple act "saved my life."

"By using the game of chess, my teacher showed me that for every move I make on the chess board there are consequences," he adds. Hudson then stresses what is the bottom line of this game. "I not only learned how to play chess but I also gained self-esteem and realized I could be someone if only I chose the right moves in my life."

Hudson went on to serve as an Alabama State Trooper but later realized his true calling. "I knew I had to give back. I saw too many young African American males headed down the wrong path - gangs, drugs, crime, sexual irresponsibility, no education and focus, the same path I was on until someone cared enough to set me straight."

Hudson deftly uses the thinking man's game of chess to both teach and mentor. It is a combination that is both effective and unobtrusive. "These kids love this game and it opens doors. They often are surprised that they can handle the game that many educated adults shy away from but more importantly they naturally learn life lessons along the way."

Working from his Atlanta training site and armed with signature phrases like "Push Pawns, Not Drugs" and "Heads Up, Pants Up, Grades Up," Hudson can often be found moving back and forth from multiple chess boards making moves and offering advice at the same time. "Successful people are not people without problems," he stresses. "They are people who learn to solve their problems." This is the lesson Hudson so adamantly teaches with his BE SOMEONE program. He is resolute in his prediction: "We will reach these teens through this game and teach them how to think on their feet. They will be somebody and we will all win because of it!"

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11th Annual FAMILIES Centerstage Returns To The Alliance Theatre

2011-02-24T20:14:00.000-05:00

Event Combines Family Fun Fair With Performance Of Musical Comedy Favorite HONK!

The Alliance Theatre will hold its 11th Annual Families Centerstage event on Saturday, March 19. An afternoon of family activities is planned including a family fun fair with live performances, arts, crafts, music and two performances of the beloved children’s musical comedy HONK!

“Families Centerstage is a wonderful entrée to the theatre for younger audiences,” said Philippa Ellis, one of the event’s co-chairs. “On this special day each year, families discover the magic of live theatre together while also experiencing a wonderful afternoon outing at the Alliance Theatre. It’s a very special day.”

In addition to HONK!, activities will include presentations by many Atlanta nonprofits, including Young Audiences, the Center for Puppetry Arts, and Imagine It! Atlanta Children’s Museum.

The event starts with a 1:00 p.m. performance followed by the fun fair from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and the second performance of Honk! at 4:00 p.m.Tickets for FAMILIES Centerstage are $25 for children and $30 35 for adults and are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office by calling 404.733.5000 or online at alliancetheatre.org. Patrons interested in sponsorship information can contact Lindsey Hardegree at lindsey.hardegree@woodruffcenter.org or 404.733.4615.

The event’s presenting sponsor is Cartoon Network. Other co-chairs of the event are Andrea Montag and Patrice Greer.

About HONK!
Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved children’s fable The Ugly Duckling, HONK! Is the story of an odd looking baby duck, Ugly, and his quest to find his mother.

With an original book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe and music by George Stiles, the production is directed by Sally G. Tomlinson Artistic Director of Theatre for Youth Rosemary Newcott.

Honk! will be performed on the Alliance Stage on weekends beginning Saturday, March 5, 2011 with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. and the opening night performance at 7:00 p.m. Performances continue through Sunday, March 20 with weekend matinees scheduled for Saturday, March 12 and Sundays, March 13 and 20 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The second matinee on Saturday, March 19 will be performed at 4:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $20 and are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office by calling 404.733.5000 or online at alliancetheatre.org. Discount rates for groups of 10 or more are available by calling 404-733-4690. Discount rates are also available for members of the military, seniors and students. The Alliance Theatre is located at the Woodruff Arts Center, corner of Peachtree & 15th Street, in Midtown Atlanta.
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Student Archers Set Sights on Bullseye at State Tournament

2011-02-09T11:59:00.000-05:00

More than 700 students throughout the state will compete Feb. 11 in the 5th annual National Archery in the Schools Georgia State Tournament.

The state’s top student archers from more than 30 elementary, middle and high schools will convene in Perry for the tournament. The state tournament is coordinated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division and is open to all Georgia schools enrolled in the National Archery in the Schools program (NASP).

With shooter numbers topping 700 this year, participation has more than quadrupled since the first year. There were 457 registered shooters last year.

“We are so pleased to see the NASP program and participation in the state tournament grow each year,” says State Shooting Sports Program Manager Jennifer Pittman. “Archery is a sport that anyone - male or female, small or large - can find success as long as they practice and dedicate time to achieve their goals. It is a program that teaches concentration, hand-eye coordination, patience and determination - all of which mesh perfectly with school goals.”

State Tournament Division winners and qualifiers will have the opportunity to compete at the NASP National Tournament May 13-14, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky, where nearly 7,000 student archers from more than 35 states are expected to participate. At the state tournament, the highest scoring male and female archer will each win $1,000 college scholarships. Archery equipment and other awards are also given to top individual archers. The top three teams in each division receive plaques and archers are awarded medals.

The state tournament is conducted at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in conjunction with the Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Great Outdoors Show. The Feb. 11 shoot will be held in the Miller Murphy Howard Building next to gate No. 24 (West Gate).

Teams of 16-24 students from each school will compete in three separate divisions: elementary (4th-6th grade), middle (7th-8th grade) and high (9th-12th grade). Archers will shoot at 10- and 15-meter intervals in seven “flights.” An awards reception will follow completion of the last flight about 6 p.m.

At last year’s tournament, a seventh grade male from Dodge County Middle (Eastman) and a fifth grade girl from Woodlawn Elementary (Chatsworth) each received $1,000 scholarships after winning the top male and female shooter awards. Eleven schools qualified to compete in the NASP National Tournament and six of those schools traveled to Louisville, Kentucky to shoot against more than 6,700 other student archers from around the country. The Woodlawn Elementary School team in Chatsworth also won the Elementary Division title at the NASP World Tournament in Orlando last October.

In addition to the tournament, there will be several activities for participants during the Great Outdoors Show. Admission is free for archers and registered coaches and $8 for observers.

The Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter is located off I-75. Driving directions can be found at www.gnfa.com .

MORE ABOUT NASP

NASP is an in-school archery curriculum that meets all education department standards. Only schools that are certified in NASP through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are qualified to compete in the Georgia Tournament. Schools in nearly 80 counties in Georgia are NASP certified.

The program promotes instruction in international-style target archery to improve educational performance and participation in shooting sports. Research has shown that the program, administered through a minimum two-week course during the school year, improves class attendance and behavior. NASP universal fit bows make it possible for students of all sizes and genders to succeed in archery while raising self-esteem levels and improving hand-eye coordination during physical activity.

NASP is taught in 48 states as well as Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. To date, more than 7 million students have gone through the program.

For more information on NASP in Georgia, recreational shooting sports opportunities or to find a range near you, visit www.georgiawildlife.com, contact a local WRD Game Management Office or call (770) 918-6416.

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New Report: Kids' Television Programs Contain High Amounts of Tobacco Use

2011-02-07T17:14:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- A new report published today in the Archives of Pediatrics &Adolescent Medicine shows substantial amounts of tobacco images in television programming most popular with young people who are at the greatest risk of initiating smoking. The study was conducted by Legacy, a national public health organization dedicated to reducing tobacco use in the United States and aimed to quantify teen exposure to smoking on television, given the powerful role that tobacco images in media play in influencing youth to smoke.

"Among young people aged 8 to 18, 30 percent of their media use is spent on watching television(1)," said Cheryl G. Healton, DrPH, President and CEO of Legacy. "The report shows that nearly 1 million young people were exposed to tobacco images during the analysis, whether it was in an ashtray, on a billboard, or in a character's hands."

Researchers at Legacy reviewed more than 70 episodes of top-rated/prime-time broadcast television shows popular among 12-17 year olds such as Family Guy, Gossip Girl, Heroes and The Simpsons. All of the episodes (representing an estimated 61.5 hours of programming in a single fall season) were rated either TV-PG or TV-14 (2). TV-14 is a more stringent rating with respect to cautioning parents about the content their children see on television.

According to the report:

* The percent of episodes with any tobacco use depictions was highest on the FOX network (44 percent) followed closely by CBS-Warner Brothers, "The CW" (41 percent).
* Forty (40) percent of television episodes reviewed contained at least one depiction of tobacco use; of these depictions, 89 percent were of cigarettes.
* Among episodes rated TV-PG, 50 percent showed one or more incidents of cigarette use, in contrast to 26 percent of TV-14 episodes, the more stringent rating.

A higher proportion of tobacco use was found among programs rated TV-PG as compared with those rated TV-14, indicating that exposure to tobacco depictions may skew toward youth of younger ages, resulting in earlier exposure to this behavior. This may have an impact on teens' decisions to smoke.

Past research confirms a relationship between smoking in television and young people starting to smoke, with the risk for smoking initiation increasing markedly with more hours of television viewing(3). Additionally, smoking images in movies leads to an estimated 180,000 new young smokers each year, prompting public health advocates to ponder (or consider) the impact that smoking on television might have on youth.

"Since movies and television are not mutually exclusive media channels, the body of evidence pertaining to movies is highly relevant to television as well, particularly since most movies are shown on television after airing in cinemas," Healton said.

Legacy recently joined several groups in asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to update its TV ratings system so that parents can be warned about depictions of tobacco use. One study has shown that parents are just as concerned about smoking content in media, which is not currently included in television ratings, as they are with alcohol use, profanity or sexual content.

Legacy is dedicated to building a world where young people reject tobacco and anyone can quit. Located in Washington, D.C., the national public health organization helps Americans live longer, healthier lives. Legacy develops programs that address the health effects of tobacco use, especially among vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by the toll of tobacco, through grants, technical assistance and training, partnerships, youth activism, and counter-marketing and grassroots marketing campaigns. The foundation's programs include truth® , a national youth smoking prevention campaign that has been cited as having contributed to significant declines in youth smoking; EX® , an innovative public health program designed to speak to smokers in their own language and change the way they approach quitting; and research initiatives exploring the causes, consequences and approaches to reducing tobacco use. The American Legacy Foundation was created as a result of the November 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) reached between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories and the tobacco industry. Visit www.legacyforhealth.org .

(1) Generation M2 Kaiser Family Study 2010

(2) TV-PG is defined as the following: “Parental Guidance Suggested. This program contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children." In contrast, TV-14 is defined in the following manner: “Parents Strongly Cautioned: This program contains some material that many parents would find unsuitable for children under 14 years of age" (34).

(3) Gidwani PP, Sobol A, DeJong W, Perrin JM, Gortmaker SL.(2002). Television Viewing and Initiation of Smoking Among Youth. Pediatrics, 110(3):505-508.

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Participants Sought for Youth Birding Competition T-shirt Art Contest

2011-02-03T10:23:00.000-05:00

Hey, kids, do you like birds and love to draw or paint? Georgia’s sixth annual Youth Birding Competition is offering a T-shirt Art Contest for resident children and teens. Many famous ornithologists were bird artists when they were young, so perhaps you could be the next John James Audubon, Roger Tory Peterson or David Allen Sibley!

A winner will be picked from each of the following age categories: primary (pre-K-second grade), elementary (third-fifth), middle school (sixth-eighth) and high school. One winner will be awarded the grand prize – their artwork will appear on the 2011 YBC T-shirt and they’ll receive a $100 gift card to Michaels. The three other winners will each receive a $50 Michaels gift card, redeemable for art supplies.

Entering is easy. Participants must draw or paint their favorite Georgia bird on paper or sheet canvas (at least 8-by-10 inches but no larger than 11-by-17 inches). Mail it in a large envelope – flat, not folded – in time to be received by 4 p.m. March 1 to: GA DNR-WRD, YBC T-shirt Art Contest (Attn: Linda May), 2065 US Hwy. 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025.

On a separate piece of paper, gently attached to the back of the artwork, include the participant’s name, school, age, grade level, mailing address, phone number, parent or teacher’s e-mail address and the species name of the bird depicted. The illustrated bird must be a wild species and native to Georgia. Please make sure the bird is the main focus of the artwork, and draw or paint its features as accurately as possible. Also keep in mind that rich colors will show up better on a T-shirt than faint pencil drawings.

Only one entry per person is allowed, and it must be the child’s artwork. Participation in the Youth Birding Competition is encouraged but not required to submit artwork for the T-shirt Art Contest.

Competitors in the birding event can pick up their submissions at the April 17 banquet at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, where select artwork will be displayed and winners announced.

Artwork from children and teens who do not take part in the Youth Birding Competition can either be picked up at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield during normal business hours or returned by mail – but only if a large, self-addressed envelope with four first-class stamps is included with the submission.

The 2011 Youth Birding Competition starts at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 16, and ends at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17. Groups may use as much or as little of that time to count as many birds as possible throughout Georgia. Although teams may start birding anywhere in the state, they must turn in their checklists at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center by 5 p.m. Sunday. While judges examine and score checklists, participants will enjoy a live animal show followed by an awards banquet packed with prizes.

For more information on the T-shirt Art Contest, visit www.georgiawildlife.com, click on the “Get Involved” tab and then the “YBC T-shirt Art Contest” link (www.georgiawildlife.com/node/950). You can also contact art contest coordinator Linda May at (770) 918-6792 or linda.may@dnr.state.ga.us.

The same web site includes Youth Birding Competition details, including how to register a team for this exciting event. You can also contact the competition coordinator Tim Keyes at (912) 262-3191 or tim.keyes@dnr.state.ga.us.

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Groundbreaking Industry Agreements Help Increase Availability of Healthy School Meals

2011-01-21T09:24:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- A new multi-industry voluntary agreement announced today by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation brings together leading food manufacturers, group purchasing organizations and technology companies to help America's schools serve healthier meals at more affordable prices. As a result of these agreements, more than 30 million students across the country will have access to healthier school meals – including at least 14 million students who currently participate in the free and reduced lunch program.

AdvancePierre Foods, Domino's Pizza, JTM Food Group, McCain Foods USA, Rich Products Corporation, Schwan's Food Service, Trident Seafoods, HPS, Premier healthcare alliance, Summa/Provista, Interflex, Dole Food Company, Inc., and the National Turkey Federation have joined the effort to combat childhood obesity by agreeing to increase the availability of products that can lead to healthy schools meals. Signatories to these first of their kind agreements brokered by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation, have agreed to develop, market and competitively price products that will lead to healthier school meal options; streamline the ordering process; and make identifying healthy options easier.

"With students consuming up to half of their daily calories at school, healthy school meals are key to winning the fight against childhood obesity," said President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation. "Building on our agreements that have reduced the number of calories in beverages shipped to schools by 88 percent, the Alliance is now focusing on helping provide more nutritious meal options to more than 30 million school children nationwide."

Manufacturers including AdvancePierre Foods, Domino's Pizza, JTM Food Group, McCain Foods USA, Rich Products Corporation, Schwan's Food Service and Trident Seafoods pledge not to price healthy options out of reach of school cafeterias. Signatories will set prices for healthier items that meet the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's science-based standards for nutrition at prices no higher than less healthy comparable products. Participating manufacturers have also pledged to increase the sales of compliant products to at least 50 percent of their entire school sales within five years.

Manufacturers have committed to aggressively promote products that align with the Alliance's Healthy Schools Program standards and will help schools meet or exceed the requirements currently being finalized by the USDA. Product commitments fall in at least one of the following categories within the Alliance's science-based guidelines for school foods:

* Lean protein products, such as lean red meat, skinless poultry, lean deli meats, fat-free or low-fat cheese, beans, and tofu.
* Low-fat lunch entrees with reduced total fat, saturated fat and sodium levels.
* Whole-grain products, such as bread, pasta and pizza crust.
* Fresh, canned or frozen fruit.
* Non-fried vegetables.
* Zero trans fat cooking oils.

"Increased access and lower prices to purchase healthy meal components makes it easier for schools to offer healthier school meals — a key strategy to help combat childhood obesity and to move students and staff toward ideal cardiovascular health," said Ralph Sacco, M.D., president of the American Heart Association and chairman, department of neurology Miller School of Medicine University of Miami.

Schools can also save time and gain buying power by joining a group purchasing organization (GPO). With today's agreement three of the largest GPOs in the U.S. with more than $70 billion in combined buying power, HPS, Premier healthcare alliance and Summa/Provista, have agreed to offer products that meet the Alliance's nutritional guidelines. GPOs have been successful at consolidating buying power in other institutional food service settings including hospitals, healthcare facilities and universities. By applying this same model to America's schools, schools will see a savings of 10 to 20 percent in their food and beverage purchases.

In order to help schools take the first step in changing their purchasing process, the Alliance is collaborating with the technology firm Interflex to create an online tool that streamlines the procurement process by assisting schools with planning, bidding and purchasing healthier products. Dole Food Company, Inc. and the National Turkey Federation have also agreed to leverage their tools and resources to support schools in their implementation of this new approach to school meals.

"Today is just the beginning. The food manufacturer, group purchasing and technology agreements are just three components of the Alliance's larger healthier school meals strategy with the goal of impacting more than 30 million students within a five year period," said Ginny Ehrlich, executive director of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Additional components in the Alliance's school meals strategy to support food service professionals being launched over the next year will include in-person and online training programs, menu planning and cooking techniques and recipes from celebrity chefs to school food service staff.

Last week, the USDA released the proposed rule for the nutrition standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. To help schools more easily navigate the Alliance and USDA standards, the Alliance will update their guidelines to meet or exceed the final rule. The Alliance agreement announced today helps alleviate barriers districts will face in serving healthier school meals, and will enhance schools' ability to meet those updated standards.

Parents, school administrators and food service directors can help the Alliance fight childhood obesity and bring healthier meals to schools across the country by joining the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's Healthy Schools Program online at www.healthiergeneration.org. There is no cost to join the Healthy Schools Program, and members have access to hundreds of resources, including a variety of free technical tools that enable anyone who makes purchasing decisions about school meals to implement and promote healthier options for students.

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Pretzelmaker® Offers $10,000 for Best Original Cheers

2011-01-20T11:10:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Pretzelmaker announced today that the company has launched a compelling new contest for cheerleaders across the country. The " Cheer with a Twist" Video Contest is being hosted completely online and was developed to celebrate the brand's commitment to "freshness with a twist." Pretzelmaker is managed by GFG Management, LLC, a subsidiary of Global Franchise Group.

To enter the contest, Pretzelmaker is asking cheer squads to submit a video, no longer than two minutes in length, of their squad executing an original cheer that incorporates the "Pretzelmaker" name and demonstrates a "twist" theme to the brand's Facebook® page at www.Facebook.com/Pretzelmaker. Prizes for the contest will be awarded in April, when one squad will receive the Grand Prize of up to $5,000*. Two additional squads will be selected as Runners Up and will each receive up to $2,500*.

The contest runs through March 31, 2011. Additional entry rules and details can be found on Pretzelmaker's Facebook® page and at www.Pretzelmaker.com.

"We're proud of Pretzelmaker's culture of fresh products prepared in an entertaining environment," said Jenn Johnston, chief marketing & operations officer for GFG Management, LLC. "We feel that this contest is an excellent way to recognize the elements that have made us so successful and look forward to rewarding three outstanding cheer squads for their exceptional Pretzelmaker cheers."

In addition to becoming a fan of the brand on Facebook®, customers can stay up to date on all new products and promotions by joining Pretzelmaker's exclusive e-mail fan club at www.Pretzelmaker.com.

*The Grand Prize video receives up to $5,000 and two Runner Up videos receive up to $2,500 each. Prizes to be awarded as a cash prize divided equally between all members of the winning cheer squads with the maximum cash prize to each member not to exceed $500 to the Grand Prize winners and $250 to the Runners Up. No purchase necessary to enter or win.

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Parents Palooza Event Hosted by GPB's Slangman

2011-01-12T09:58:00.000-05:00

Parents Palooza
Saturday, February 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, February 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cobb Galleria Centre, Halls A & B
Two Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30339

/PRNewswire/ -- The ultimate family event and parenting expo heads to Cobb Galleria Centre in February, and it's being hosted by "Slangman's World" star Slangman! Known on the show as an unpredictable wizard and wordsmith who helps children develop a multicultural worldview, Slangman will be joined by a huge variety of fun performers, speakers and activities for both kids and parents. Parents Palooza is a celebration of parenthood. It's both an entertaining and educational event that the entire family can enjoy.

Parents Palooza is a fun-filled parenting expo bursting with information, products and services for parents of infants through teens. Whether it's guidance on potty training, cell phone companies, summer camps or college applications, parents will connect with the resources that can make their most important job a lot easier.

Parents Palooza features more than 200 exhibitors, product and food samples, speakers forums, a social network parents' networking area, inflatables, massage, family competitions, chorus performances, children's ID kits and plenty of prizes, along with:

* Family Rock Band presented by Xfinity
* Dream Maker Talent Search
* Medieval Times Princess Storytime
* Red Hot Fire Truck Events
* BeDazzle Whimsical Hair Designs
* Tumblastic Playscape
* Birth Stories on Demand Live Podcast
* Performances by RocKandi
* Every Little Bottom Diaper Drive
* Radio Disney DJ and Road Crew
* Atlanta Family Photo Contest
* Lighten Up Atlanta Health Challenge
* Concentra Urgent Care's Minutes Matter Family Challenge
* Tumblebus
* Circus Camp

Parents Palooza is joined by non-profit partners Angel Flight Soars, Inc.; Rosebuds, Miles for Cystic Fibrosis; Autism Society of Greater Georgia; and Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance.

http://www.ParentsPalooza.com

Tickets:

* Advance one-day tickets: Adults: $10, Kids (ages 6 and up): $5, Children under 5 - FREE
* Tickets at the door: Adults: $12, Kids (ages 6 and up): $6, Children under 5 - FREE
* Tickets are available at http://www.ParentsPalooza.com
* Free parking!

Parents Palooza was developed by Kent Events, LLC, an event planning company specializing in the management, production and promotion of events that connect with attendees on a personal level. Kent Events founders Jon and Stacy Kent have backgrounds in promotion, management and trade shows as well as corporate and private event planning. Kent Events is located at 12600 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004 and can be reached by calling 678-566-3606.

Parents Palooza thanks sponsors Atlanta Kids Directory, 790 The Zone, Atlanta Parent Magazine, GPB Kids, Xfinity and Radio Disney.

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Keeping Kids Safe Online

2011-01-11T14:49:00.000-05:00

FBI Program Offered in Schools

Child at computerRecent studies show that one in seven youngsters has experienced unwanted sexual solicitations online. One in three has been exposed to unwanted sexual material online. One in 11 has been harassed or bullied online.

And as we all know, these are only some of the dangers that our kids face while surfing the Internet. How can we simultaneously protect them from these threats and enable them to take advantage of the positive things the web has to offer?

In addition to investigating online crimes targeting children, the FBI works to educate kids and their parents about the Internet, sometimes sending cyber agents to visit schools as well as posting useful resources on our public website. We also offer our Safe Online Surfing program to schools to help students understand how to recognize, report, and avoid online dangers.

How it all started. The Safe Online Surfing (SOS) program began in our Miami office six years ago, when Special Agent Jim Lewis from one of our cyber squads—who saw first-hand how easily kids could be victimized online—approached a co-worker, Community Outreach Specialist Jeff Green, about his desire to share information about Internet safety with school students.

FBI Miami turned to nearby Nova Southeastern University for assistance with creating an online Internet safety program that that also tested students on what they learned. About 400 South Florida students took part initially, and according to Green, feedback from students and teachers was positive.

Said Green, “Kids are surfing the Internet anyway, so we were just using a vehicle they were comfortable with.”

Over the years, other FBI field offices began offering the SOS program with the help of their community outreach specialists. By October 2010, our Cyber Division at FBI Headquarters—which manages our Innocent Images National Initiative, focused on online child predators—took the SOS program under its wing and made it a national one. Today, more than 90,000 children in 41 states have completed it.

How it works. At each grade level, third through eighth, students begin by taking pre-quizzes to test their overall knowledge. Then, a scavenger hunt takes them to pre-screened websites where they get Internet safety and cyber citizenship information. And finally, they take timed post-quizzes to demonstrate what they’ve learned. The program also promotes a fun competition between schools: every month—from September through May—schools with the highest scoring students in the nation are awarded the FBI-SOS Trophy.

Topics covered in the program run the cyber gamut: depending on the age of the students, they might learn about password security, cyberbullying, virus protection, copyright issues, online predators, e-mail, chat rooms, social networking sites, when to talk to parents or teachers about a threat, and appropriate uses of cell phones and gaming devices.

Of the SOS program, Cyber Division Assistant Director Gordon Snow said, “The Internet is a powerful resource for our youth, but it also presents opportunities for those who would attempt to do them harm…the Safe Online Surfing program is designed to teach young people what they need to know to avoid falling victim to individuals who want to take advantage of their youth and innocence.”

Schools interested in signing up for the Safe Online Surfing program should contact the community outreach specialist in their local FBI office.

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National Call for Entries: Two Weeks Left for Youth to Enter FreeTheBowl.com Video Contest

2011-01-10T14:23:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The January 24, 2011 deadline to enter Marin Institute's 3rd annual Free The Bowl™ Video Contest is quickly approaching. Youth 10-20 years old are encouraged to compete in this action to eliminate exploitative alcohol ads on TV sports programs. This year's contest calls for 30-60 second original music, dance, rap or spoken word performance counter-beer-ads. The top prize is $1,000.

"Foreign-based alcohol corporations spend half a billion dollars annually advertising during TV sports programs," said Michael Scippa, Marin Institute's public affairs director. "And the holy grail of beer ad venues and revenues is the Super Bowl, where Anheuser-Busch InBev burns beer brands into the developing brains of an estimated 30 million underage football fans. " Free The Bowl™ allows youth to say to Budweiser, CBS-TV, and the NFL, STOP EXPLOITING US WITH YOUR BEER ADS!"

Research has shown that the more alcohol ads kids see, the more likely they are to drink, drink to excess and drink more often. In 2009, the Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking reported that 5,000 people under the age of 21 die annually from injuries caused by alcohol. Hundreds of thousands more suffer alcohol-fueled sexual assaults, serious injuries, diseases, and academic failure.

A recent analysis released by the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, shows that voluntary industry advertising codes are ineffective. According to the study, youth exposure to alcohol advertising on U.S. television increased 71 percent between 2001 and 2009. The research also pointed to Bud Light, a mainstay of Super Bowl advertising, as one of 12 brands targeting youth.

"Young people are slammed by TV alcohol ads every day of the year," stated Scippa. "But beer ads on TV sports programs, and especially during the NFL's Super Bowl, are a massive overdose that must be curbed to reduce youth alcohol-related harm."

To enter the contest go to FreeTheBowl.com where you can also view past years' winning videos, this year's promotional videos, and find complete information on contest rules and prizes. Contest winners will be announced during the Free The Bowl™ 2011 World Premiere, February 3, 2011, at the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, California.

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U.S. Teen Birth Rate Hits Record Low in 2009, CDC Report Finds

2010-12-24T13:26:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The birth rate for U.S. teens aged 15-19 years fell to a record low, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 2009 birth rate of 39.1 births per 1,000 teens is down 6 percent from the 2008 rate of 42.5 births per 1,000. This is the lowest ever recorded in seven decades of tracking teenage childbearing. Birth rates for younger and older teens and for all race/ethnic groups reached historic lows in 2009.

The data are based on nearly 100 percent of birth records collected in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. The report from CDC's National Center for Health Statistics also notes declines in the overall fertility rate – the average number of births that a group of women would have over their lifetimes – and the total number of U.S. births.

The general fertility rate fell from 68.6 births per 1,000 females aged 15-44 per year in 2008 to 66.7 in 2009. The total number of births declined from 4,247,694 in 2008 to 4,131,019 in 2009. This decline appears to be continuing into 2010, based on early birth counts from January-June of this year.

Other findings:

* The total number of births to unmarried mothers declined in 2009, the first decline since 1997. The rate of births per 1,000 unmarried mothers also declined for the first time since 2002. However, because total births declined more than unmarried births, the percentage of births to unmarried mothers rose slightly in 2009, to 41 percent of all U.S. births compared to 40.6 in 2008.
* The birth rate for women in their early twenties fell 7 percent in 2009, the largest decline for this age group since 1973. The rates also fell for women in their late twenties and thirties. The birth rate for women in their early forties increased in 2009.
* The preterm birth rate declined for the third straight year in 2009, to about 12.2 percent of all births.
* The cesarean delivery rate rose to a record high of 32.9 percent in 2009, up from 32.3 in 2008. The cesarean rate has increased every year since 1996, when the rate was 20.7.
* The low birthweight rate was essentially unchanged between 2008 and 2009 at less than 8.2 percent in 2009, but down slightly from the record high of 8.3 in 2006.

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Nine flying reindeer cleared to land in Georgia on Christmas Eve

2010-12-11T18:30:00.002-05:00

Department of Agriculture waives veterinary requirements

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin has granted a special 24-hour permit for nine flying reindeer to land in Georgia on the evening of Friday, Dec. 24, into the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 25.

The special permit waives routine veterinary requirements and inspections which protect the health of animals in the state and help prevent the introduction of exotic diseases. The reindeer named on the permit are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. The permit application was filed this week by a North Pole toymaker named Santa Claus.

“After consulting with our state veterinarians, I concluded these reindeer did not pose any threat to agriculture or violate any of our biosecurity measures,” said Commissioner Irvin. “As it was explained to me, these reindeer will be moving very quickly and will not intermingle with any livestock in our state. In fact, they will not even touch the ground, but will only prance and paw on rooftops.”

Commissioner Irvin said he is extremely pleased to grant this waiver, his last, to Mr. Claus. While Santa has indicated no plans to retire, Commissioner Irvin is giving up the reins at the Georgia Department of Agriculture and will be retiring to his Habersham County farm in January.

“I, and the employees of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, wish Santa safe travels this year and the years to come as he and his team of reindeer make deliveries to all the good children of Georgia.”

Students: Enter Our Chimp Drawing Contest

2010-12-04T17:08:00.000-05:00

On your mark, get set, start drawing—chimps, that is!

Time is running out for students in grades K-12 to enter The Humane Society of the United States' 2010 Chimps Deserve Better Drawing Contest.

The contest ends on December 17th.

Drawings should reflect the theme of this year's contest: A Tribute to Chimpanzee Sanctuaries.

A panel of judges that includes cartoonist Patrick McDonnell, creator of the comic strip "MUTTS," will select two Grand Prize winners and six runners-up. Winners will be notified by January 31, 2011.

The Grand Prize winners will each receive an iPod Touch. Runners-up will each receive $25. All eight winning drawings will also be featured on humanesociety.org. If either of the Grand Prize winning entries were coordinated by a teacher, the teacher will receive a $500 gift certificate for school supplies.

For more information about the contest, please check the contest rules [PDF].

The drawing contest was expanded this year to include students in grades 7-12. View the winning entries from the 2009 Chimps Deserve Better Drawing Contest.

How To Enter

1. Create an 11" x 17" drawing that shows appreciation for the incredible work that chimpanzee sanctuaries do by caring for chimps who were previously used in research laboratories, kept as pets, or used in circuses or other forms of entertainment.

2. Download [PDF], print and fill out the contest application.

3. Mail the application and your drawing—post marked no later than December 17, 2010—to:

Chimps Deserve Better Drawing Contest
c/o Jennifer Ball
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037

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Children's Pet Poetry Contest

2010-11-29T10:47:00.000-05:00

Do you know a third, fourth, or fifth grader with a beloved pet (or pets!) and a way with words? Encourage him or her to enter the National Children's Pet Poetry Contest!

Held annually by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the contest is open to third through fifth grade students nationwide. Children are invited to write a poem about their pets, what they love about them, and the happiness they add to their lives.

Two students from each grade level will each win a $250 gift certificate for pet products and publication of their poem in a major pet publication. In addition, each winner's classroom will also receive a $1,000 scholarship to be used for pet-related education.

The deadline to enter is January 31, 2011. For complete rules and entry details, visit petsaddlife.org/2010-pet-poetry-contest.

One of last year's winners, fifth-grader Pierce from Sewell, New Jersey, wrote this poem about Honey, his canine best friend:

Her root beer eyes are always there,
When I am sad and in despair.
With soft and silky golden fur,
My loving heart belongs to her.
Chasing toys and jumping around,
With Honey I have never frowned.
Chew toys, balls, and dog treats galore,
They would be all over the floor.
In the garden wild and free,
Boy and puppy is what you see.
Playing in tall grass and roses,
Stopping just to snuggle noses.
With kind and loving gentle paw,
And little teeth that never gnaw,
Wet loving licks that do not end,
Honey is this small boy's best friend.

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New Study Reveals That Coaching Helps College Students With ADHD Improve Ability to Learn, Succeed in College

2010-11-12T11:16:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The results of a new study being released this week at the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) conference in Atlanta demonstrate the effectiveness of a new model of coaching, developed exclusively for and used by the Edge Foundation, to help college students with ADHD improve executive functioning, which is their ability to organize, set and achieve goals, and self regulate -- all critical for a successful post secondary education. Additionally, students who participated in the study felt that coaching helped them feel less stress, greater empowerment, increased confidence and have more balanced lives.

Researchers from Wayne State University in Michigan conducted the study over two years in 10 universities and community colleges throughout the country and tracked the progress of 110 students with ADHD. It is the largest and most comprehensive study of ADHD coaching conducted to-date. The research team measured students' progress through both quantitative and qualitative analysis and have determined, "This study demonstrated that the Edge coaching model was highly effective in helping students improve executive functioning and related skills as measured by the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI; Weinstein & Palmer, 2002)."

Coaching has long been used by corporations to improve performance of CEOs and executives, but little research has been done until now on the impact this kind of intervention may have on populations with learning disabilities, like ADHD. While medication has been shown to improve academic productivity (better note-taking, scores on quizzes and worksheets, and homework completion), medication alone is not associated with skills students need to meet the demands of college which they must navigate more independently than in previous schooling.

The Edge Foundation coaches work with students in seven major areas: scheduling, goal setting, confidence building, organizing, focusing, prioritizing and persisting at tasks. They help students assess their environments, identify needs, set goals, and offer suggestions and guidance. Coaches monitor student progress and goals through regular phone or e-mail check-ins.

The Edge Foundation is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that offers supplemental treatment for students with ADHD. Founded by Neil Peterson in 2005, its mission is to help every child, adolescent and young adult with ADHD to fully realize their own potential, personal vision and passion through personal coaching.

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Positive parent-child relationships lead to better outcomes for adopted children

2010-11-12T10:31:00.001-05:00

Georgia State University researchers have found that adopted adolescents who have good relationships with their parents are less likely to get into trouble and are more likely to do better in school, compared to adoptees growing up in more distant families.

Kathleen Whitten, visiting lecturer of psychology, and Scott Weaver, assistant professor of psychology, analyzed data from the National Survey of Adoptive Parents, a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.

In their study, to be published in the December edition of Adoption Quarterly, they found that adolescents with better relationships with their adoptive parents were less likely to skip school, to be suspended, or to have trouble with law enforcement or substance abuse.

They also found that the teens, aged 13 to 17, had higher achievement in language arts and reading.

“Historically, there was a view that children couldn’t grow up as healthy in an adoptive family as in a biological one,” Whitten said. “Our findings contradict that, and are also consistent with more contemporary studies that have found that adoptive parents may spend more time with their children, and there may be less conflict in those families.”

The measures for the parent-child relationships include questions about how often the child is affectionate or tender with the parent, and whether the parent trusts the child, for example.

Additionally, Whitten and Weaver found no differences in these outcomes for children who were adopted by parents of a different race.

“Some thought at one time that parents of a different race couldn’t provide racial socialization, therefore leading to worse child outcomes,” Whitten said. “We analyzed a group of transracially adopted children to see if there were any differences, and there’re not.”

Like adolescents in the broader sample of adoptees, transracially adopted children with positive relationships with their parents had better behavioral and school adjustment.

The National Survey of Adoptive Parents is the first nationally representative sample of adoptive families in the United States, and it’s providing a wealth of data to investigate adoption. Data were collected during 2007 to 2008, and it provides information about the health and well-being of adopted children, as well as information about their families’ experiences and reasons for adoption.

Investing time and resources in establishing and strengthening the parent child relationship bond is very important, Weaver said.

“A positive parent-child relationship can be established regardless of whether the adoption is transracial or not,” he said.

Whitten recommends that social service agencies prepare prospective parents to establish ties and prepare for challenges.

“Agencies should teach parents to expect the best and to prepare for the worst,” she said. “By preparing for the worst, they need to be able to monitor their own emotional reactions to their child’s behavior, need to be patient, and need to be able to attribute positive motives to their child rather than negative.”

For example, if a child is misbehaving shortly after he or she is placed with the parent, parents should see this not as an attempt to control the parent or parents, but as a miscue for emotional distress, she said.

“So rather than responding with more control, and with a more authoritarian, punitive response, parents need to be able to stop and calm themselves, and to help the child do the same,” Whitten said.

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New Company GrandCamp Adventures has Grandparents and Grandkids Playing Their Way to Better Relationships

2010-11-10T10:15:00.000-05:00

Stories Come Alive Through Books, Games, Music and More In Time For The Holidays

For the first time ever, a company will launch this holiday season especially for the grandparent/grandchild experience. Through a mix of storybooks, backyard activities, games and music, GrandCamp Adventures will help grandparents and grandchildren form lasting memories and meaningful connections. In essence, they play their way to better relationships.

Widely recognized by developmental experts as vital to a child’s life, the grandparent/grandchild relationship faces pressure from increasingly busy parents and geographic challenges. Yet, today’s grandparents – numbering 70 million in the nation – are younger than ever before, very active and engaged, and they want to spend time with their grandkids. Company co-founders, Patricia Babuka and Scott Schaefer, saw a need to create interactive experiences to “create the space” to nurture and grow this relationship.

“We realized through our own experience as parents the importance of building a strong relationship between our children and our parents,” said GrandCamp Adventures CEO Patricia Babuka. “Distractions like high tech toys and expensive vacations contribute to the gap between these generations and push away the magical moments and memories that occur when you’re really interacting and just having fun together.”

Babuka and Schaefer created GrandCamp Adventures with their own parents in mind. For 20 years, Babuka’s in-laws have hosted an annual themed-family retreat for all the grandchildren that has become a highly anticipated bonding experience for the family. It was this retreat that inspired her to create the company.

Here’s How It Works
In a GrandCamp Adventures experience, both grandparent and grandchild embark upon a backyard “adventure” centered on a storybook. This storybook, written by award-winning author Walter Sorrells and animated with the help of former freelance Disney animator Victor Tavares, breaks through the page and turns real-life into an “adventure” through activities, games and music that support the central story. Each story and accompanying activity are carefully constructed with the help of developmental experts to ensure the child’s imagination takes center stage while grandparents get the quality time and exposure they so deeply desire.

The First Adventure
The first storybook; “Here We Go! – Around The World Family Adventure,” is complemented with the release of the company’s first music CD (by the same name) that helps grandparents and grandchildren easily add dancing and singing to the fun. The CD features songs that can be played throughout the adventure and contains a variety of styles and genre including jazz, bluegrass, reggae and more. The theme for this first adventure is all about exploring your own family and other families around the world. The story unfolds as a pair of intrepid grandparents who’ve just returned from traveling around the world only to find that their plane had sprung a leak and their precious treasures have fallen out across the land. They quickly enlist the help of their three grandchildren and, along with a magic compass invented by Papa, set out to retrieve all the lost items. Before long, the story crosses over into real-life, much to the surprise of the grandchildren following along.

After the holidays, GrandCamp Adventures will roll out additional exciting and fun products nearly every month that bring the “Here We Go!” story to life. The next phase in the rollout includes GrandCamp Adventures digital games and activities that Grandparents and Grandkids can enjoy online.

Learn more: www.grandcamp.com

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Editor Note:
Read the review by the Fayette Front Page's own Ann Eldredge.

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Inspire a Girl, Change Her World

2010-11-04T09:41:00.000-04:00

(NAPSI)-When girls feel bad about their looks, 70 percent disconnect from life—avoiding normal daily activities like attending school or even giving their opinion—which can put their dreams on hold and jeopardize their potential as future leaders, decision makers and role models.*

Everyone has the opportunity to make a difference in a young girl’s self-esteem. That is why Dove launched the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem, inviting all women to create a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety. The nationwide effort encourages women to take simple actions that help build self-esteem and inspire all women and girls to reach their full potential by caring for themselves and each other.

Dr. Ann Kearney-Cooke, psychologist and self-esteem expert, offers simple tips for parents and mentors to help girls develop a positive relationship with beauty.

1. Embrace Your Real Beauty: Challenge your inner critic and engage in healthy behaviors so that she can see that by taking care of herself, she can look and feel her best. Girls often model the behaviors of important women in their lives, so treat yourself well! Eat healthy, be active and see your doctor regularly for checkups so you can be a model of physical health for your daughter or a girl in your life. This will help her realize that feeling good about her body is not about being a certain weight or shape but about taking care of herself.

2. Share Inspiring Messages: Ban negative talk about your own body or her body. Instead, let her know that you love and value her because of who she is, not how she looks. Compliment her on character traits that reflect positive self-esteem, such as how she looks people in the eye as she shakes their hand, or on how you love listening to the ideas she shares about current events. She needs to know that you are proud of the person she is becoming.

3. Help Her See Her Full Potential: Girls need to know who they are, what they value and what they want out of life to experience the self-esteem that comes from taking charge of their own lives. Guide her to set goals and help her develop the skills necessary to turn a vision into a reality. Encourage her to focus on working hard and doing her personal best, rather than on being the best at everything she tries.

4. Build Positive Relationships: Teaching respect and empathy is important to help her create meaningful and positive relationships with her peers. Encourage development of healthy relationships by exhibiting mutual respect and empathy in your own relationships. To help her develop empathy, encourage her to view events from another person’s perspective. For example, you might ask: “How do you think your friend was feeling when she wasn’t invited to the sleepover?”

5. Stop the Scary Sit-Down: When parents or mentors need to discuss serious issues, they may believe that the best way to do this is to tell her that they “need to talk.” Rather than saving serious conversations for a single important session, build a stronger relationship with your daughter or a girl in your life by creating a consistent, predictable time when you are receptive and available to listen-for example, riding in the car, taking a walk or watching movies together. A strong, consistent connection will increase the likelihood that she will feel comfortable seeking your help and support when times are tough.

Visit dovemovement.com to join the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem and download free self-esteem building tools for girls, moms and mentors.

*Dove, 2006

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CPSC Reminds Parents How to Prevent Halloween Costume and Decoration-Related Injuries

2010-10-29T08:51:00.000-04:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants parents of trick-or-treaters to know that there is nothing scary about preventing Halloween-related injuries. By taking a few simple safety precautions when selecting costumes and Halloween decorations, consumers can prevent burn, fall and laceration injuries.

Parents who make their kids' costumes can send off their little ghosts, goblins and superheroes safely by using inherently flame-resistant fabrics, such as polyester and nylon. These materials will resist burning if exposed to an open flame. When purchasing a costume, look for "Flame Resistant" on the product's tag or packaging

Lighting the night also is made safer when children have no access to open flames. Flameless candles, light sticks and flashlights provide a safe lighting alternative in jack-o'-lanterns and areas where children will have access.

"Uncovering Halloween's hidden dangers is simple with CPSC's safety steps," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "Thoughtful costume selection, care with candles and careful placement of decorations and lighting will help ensure your Halloween is safe and enjoyable."

In addition to providing safety tips, the CPSC works to keep children and families safe during the holiday celebration by enforcing the Flammable Fabrics Act and recalling hazardous costumes and products at Halloween and throughout the year.

Make this year's holiday a safe one by following these safety tips on costumes, treats and decorations:

Costumes

* When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves, large capes or billowing skirts.
* Purchase or make costumes that are light colored, bright and clearly visible to motorists.
* For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light-colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
* Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
* To guard against trips and falls, costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground.
* Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.
* Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing their vision.
* If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.
* Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.

Treats

* Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.
* Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters younger than three years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.

Decorations

* Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
* Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.
* Indoors, keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other items that could ignite. Do not leave burning candles unattended.
* Indoors or outside, use only decorative light strands that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
* Don't overload extension cords.

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Jacob’s Turn, An Inspiring Documentary Short Film To Raise Awareness and Money For Down Syndrome, Wins Hearts Across The Country

2010-10-26T08:52:00.000-04:00

Editor Note: What a great story to share. Little Jacob is a star and is the perfect candidate to bring his story and that of all special needs children to the spotlight. Well done, Jacob and his awesome support team.

(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the midst of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the newly released heart-warming documentary short film, “Jacob’s Turn,” is gaining momentum and attention across the country, raising awareness and money for Down Syndrome charities.

Jacob’s Turn is a mother’s story of Jacob Titus, her four-year-old boy from the small rural community of Floyds Knobs, Indiana. Jacob loves to play T-ball, like thousands of kids across the country. Jacob also happens to have Down Syndrome. The film shows how Jacob’s “turn” at bat and on the field was a thrill for him, but more importantly, an event that transformed the hearts of everyone in his town.

Jacob’s mother, Patricia Titus, wrote an article about his experience - and the way the town came to embrace his triumph. This article would soon stop the busy, constantly on-the-go Nick Nanton in his tracks, touch his heart and those of numerous high profile business people, and inspire them to executive produce the extraordinary documentary short film based on Patricia’s story.

As Executive Producer, Nick Nanton worked with his extended network of marketing experts to create awareness of “Jacob’s Turn,” through a method of marketing that is usually applied to commercial ventures, but for the first time was used to launch a charitable campaign - one which will help benefit children not only with Down Syndrome but a wide variety of special needs. The goal of everyone with an emotional and financial investment in the film is to raise people’s awareness and generate charitable donations that will help these kids receive the assistance they need to lead the best lives they can—to get their “turn.”

At its heart, however, “Jacob’s Turn” is designed to inspire - to let special needs children and their parents know that the unique challenges they face need not limit the potential to achieve dreams, even small ones that start out on a baseball field in a place like Floyds Knobs.

Others contributing to the project are Nanton’s partners, JW Dicks & Lindsay Dicks, along with Mike Koenigs, Preston Ely, Baeth Davis, Mark Richter, Bill Gough, Richard Seppala, Dr. Scott Schumann, Darrin Mish and Jared Bonshire.

Learn more at www.jacobsturn.com/the-mission

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National Cyber Security Radio Re-Airs Show Topic: 5 Ways to Reduce Cyber-Bullying by 80%

2010-10-25T10:26:00.001-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- National Cyber Security Radio, by LIGATT Security International (OTC: LGTT), an online computer security radio show, will re-air last week's topic "How to Reduce Cyber-bullying by 80% Immediately" today at 3pm EDT on www.NationalCyberSecurity.com.

During this week's show, Host Gregory D. Evans will educate his listeners on the legalities and long lasting effects of cyber-bullying. According to StopCyberbullying.org, children have killed each other and committed suicide after having been involved in a cyber-bullying incident. Cyber-bullying is usually not a onetime communication, unless it involves a death threat or a credible threat of serious bodily harm.

"Cyber-bullying is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed," comments Evans. "I want my listeners to understand that cyber-bullies are cowards. The sad part about the Internet is people can portray to be whoever they want to be and hide behind a keyboard."

Tune in every Monday from 3pm-5pm to listen to World Renowned Cyber Security Expert, Gregory Evans. For more information about Gregory Evans visit www.GregoryDEvans.com, or follow him on Twitter @GregoryDEvans. For more information about National Cyber Security visit www.NationalCyberSecurity.com, or follow them on Twitter @NCSbyLIGATT.

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Contest To Celebrate Wonders Of Chemistry

2010-10-21T09:23:00.000-04:00

(NAPSI)-If your kids have ever watched a movie or TV show and asked, “Wow, how did they do that?” they may be interested to learn that many seemingly magical special effects are really chemistry at work.

You can help children learn more about chemistry and special effects by participating in National Chemistry Week (NCW) 2010. As part of this year’s celebration, the American Chemical Society (ACS) is hosting a national poster contest for kids from kindergarten to 12th grade. Invite students to create a poster that celebrates the theme “Behind the Scenes with Chemistry.”

The poster should be fun, motivational and inspire students to learn how costume designers, makeup artists, graphic artists and special effects technicians use chemistry to create the special effects that make movies and TV shows so much fun to enjoy!

First- and second-place prizes for the best posters will be awarded in the following categories: grades K to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 8, and 9 to 12. The first-place prize is $100 and second-place is $50.

Contest Rules

All entries must be original works without aid from others and must be no larger than 14 x 22 inches. Entries must be hand drawn using crayons, paint, colored pencils or markers.

Judging

Entries will be evaluated based on artistic merit (use of color, quality of drawing, poster design and layout), poster message (should be fun, motivational and promote chemistry’s important role in life), originality, creativity and neatness.

Anyone can join in the celebration of NCW 2010 and get ready to celebrate the International Year of Chemistry 2011 (IYC 2011) by visiting www.acs.org/iyc2011.

Here are some simple things children can do at home or in the classroom. Using household chemicals, they can create:

• Fake snow or fog that will fool their friends

• Paper that changes color before their eyes

• Fake blood that looks real.

To find out how to make these special effects, go to www.acs.org/ncw.

Families can also attend a Science Café to learn more about the wonders of chemistry and how they are used to produce movies and TV shows. Go to www.acs.org/ncw to find a Science Café event near you.

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New Study Finds Bullying and Cyberbullying are Parent's #1 Fear More Than Kidnapping, Domestic Terrorism and Suicide

2010-10-20T12:16:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Whom do parents fear more, Stranger Danger or a Facebook friend? According to a national survey commissioned by Care.com, Inc. (http://www.care.com), bullying and cyberbullying have eclipsed kidnapping as the greatest fear parents have regarding their children's safety.

Nearly one in three (30%) parents of children 12-17 years old fear bullying and cyberbullying over kidnapping, domestic terrorism, car accidents, suicide or any other incident. And of parents whose children are under 12 years old, more than one in four (27%) parents say they are most afraid of bullying and cyberbullying, with kidnapping only slightly higher (30%).

Care.com, Inc., the premier source of trustworthy family care options, including profiles of hundreds of thousands of babysitters, nannies, and senior caregivers, found that parents are taking the issue seriously. In response to recent news coverage of teens being bullied or cyberbullied across the country, 75% of parents are now monitoring text messages and social media activity. They report also now speaking with their children about the dangers of bullying.

Is Technology to blame? Parents clearly feel that it is. Almost two out of three (62%) parents agree that increased use of texting, social media activity and the playing of more violent video games are resulting in meaner behavior among kids. This concern increases in the South (71%) and Northeast (67%), but decreases to half (50%) of parents in the Midwest.

Parents want their children's schools to take action. More than one in three parents surveyed, report encouraging their schools to create anti-bullying programs and have teachers address bullying as well. Nearly half (46%) feel that the schools are listening, giving their children's schools a grade of A or B. However, one out of five parents (19%) feel that their schools are doing a poor job or simply failing their kids when it comes to this issue.

"Mean kids and bullies are not new, but the access to social media networks and cell phones that can make bullying both anonymous and seemingly innocuous is the new danger. And parents are genuinely afraid," said Wendy Sachs, editor-in-chief of Care.com. "Our study found that parents are also stepping up and want their schools and communities involved."

The failure increases in the West where more than one out of four parents (29%) give their children's schools a poor or failing grade. By comparison, more than half (57%) of parents in the Northeast believe their schools are doing a good job at handling bullying. Other findings include:

* Fathers fear bullying and cyberbullying the most, of which a quarter of men (25%) cite it as the number one fear compared with a third (35%) of mothers who perceive kidnapping to be the greatest danger.

* In New York, one in three parents (31%) cite bullying and cyberbullying as a greater fear than domestic terrorism (19%) despite the WTC attacks less than ten years ago.

* The Midwest is the most concerned about bullying and cyberbullying, where a third of parents (33%) felt it was the most significant fear for them.

* Western states parents remain most concerned about kidnapping with 43% versus bullying and cyberbullying (20%). However, when asked to evaluate what their child's school has done to educate kids about the dangers of bullying and cyberbullying, one out of four (24%) gave a poor or failing grade (D or F).

* In the South, kidnapping and bullying and cyberbullying are of equal concern to parents with a quarter of parents (24%) acknowledging that they are fearful of them.

The Care.com survey was conducted via a national telephone survey among a weighted sample of 394 adults 18 years of age and older living in private households in the continental United States. Interviewing for this CARAVAN Survey was completed during the period October 8-11, 2010.

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Award-Winning Author Pens First Book For Kids Concerned About Gulf Wildlife!

2010-10-14T10:52:00.000-04:00

SOMEWHERE ON THE GULF COAST: While adults might think that it’s just the locals, the BPers, the fishermen, and the media keeping a close eye on the Gulf Coast oil spill, many, many pairs of concerned eyes belong to local children, children across America and children around the world.

“Kids always care about the animals,” says Carole Marsh, author of a new book, THE GULF COAST OIL SPILL: POOR LITTLE PELICAN + A KIDREPORTS PHOTO-DOCUMENTARY for ages 4 to 8. Marsh, who grew up on the Georgia coast, spent 20 years on the North Carolina coast, and has been a frequent visitor to locations all along the Gulf Coast, believes the concerns of children should be addressed above all.

“After all,” says the author, “they see us make a mess, but what they want to know is how to help, how to avoid such problems in the future, and most especially, how they can grow up and make a difference.” Her book tells a charming, alliterative read-aloud (or read-alone) story of a family of pelicans and their own shocked discovery of the recent oil spill and its aftermath. The pitch-perfect story is followed by a photo documentary by Gulf Coast girl Erin telling how current events collided with the coastal environment and wildlife. Teachers (and parents) will appreciate the crystal clear explanations and graphics, as well as a glossary and reproducible activities.

“On the one hand, the crisis seems almost over to many people,” Marsh says, “but children, teachers, schools, and others will explore this issue for a long time. I want to give them the facts, the background, the science, but most of all, the hope that things will be all right (and how and why and when), and that they can indeed help by learning more and perhaps even considering future careers that could positively impact coastal environments and the wildlife that live there.”

“Learning more” has been the author’s 30-year writing challenge. She has written more than 60 books on each Gulf Coast state, created social studies curriculum-related resources widely used in Louisiana, and also has a series of children’s mysteries, many set in Gulf Coast states.

Marsh is CEO and founder of Gallopade International, a leader in the production of children’s books, curriculum-related resources and supplementary educational materials since 1979. Gallopade products have won many awards, including the Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice Award, the iParenting Media Award for Greatest Products and the National School Supply and Equipment Association Excellent in Education Award.

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Safe Kids USA Launches New National Initiative to Reduce Sports Injuries in Kids

2010-10-12T11:11:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Safe Kids USA ( http://www.safekids.org ) has announced the launch of a new educational effort aimed at helping parents, coaches and athletes reduce the more than 3.5 million injuries that occur in youth sports every year in the United States.(1) The nationwide initiative is the latest focus area for Safe Kids USA and its 600 coalitions, which also works to prevent unintentional childhood injury in other areas including drowning, car accidents and poison prevention.

This effort will focus on the most common causes of preventable injuries including overuse, dehydration, heat-related illness, concussion and injuries caused by pre-existing medical conditions and lack of conditioning. Safe Kids USA will supply its coalitions with information to help parents, coaches and athletes in their communities reduce injuries. The initiative is being supported by Johnson & Johnson, the founding sponsor of Safe Kids Worldwide and Safe Kids USA.

"Injuries in youth sports are occurring at an alarming rate," said Mitch Stoller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Safe Kids Worldwide. "Risks are often recognized too late or injuries are looked upon as just part of the game. We're here to say it's not always part of the game and there are things that each one of us can do, particularly parents, to help shape the physical and emotional environment for safe and fun participation in sports."

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 38 million children and adolescents participate in organized sports in the U.S.(2) and about 1-in-10 receives medical treatment for a sports injury.(1) Experts say as many as half the injuries sustained by youth while playing sports are likely preventable.(3)

"Encouraging children to play sports is one of the best ways to help them stay fit, develop athletic skills, make friends and learn valuable lessons that they can carry for a lifetime," said John Hurley, MD, an orthopedic surgeon who treats young athletes and is working with Safe Kids USA. "But young athletes have special needs because their bodies are still growing making them more prone to injury. And, if there is too much pressure to compete, they may overexert themselves, play in pain or return to activity too quickly after an injury, all of which could have both short- and long-term consequences."

As part of its educational campaign, Safe Kids USA and Johnson & Johnson have partnered with cable network, Nickelodeon and internet service and media company, AOL to develop and run public service announcements (PSAs) on the prevention of youth sports injury. Nickelodeon will continue airing the PSAs through October on TeenNick, Nick at Nite and other Nickelodeon programming; and AOL will produce web PSAs for online distribution. In addition, Safe Kids USA coalitions have conducted youth sports safety clinics throughout the country for parents, coaches, athletes and community members.

The subject will also be explored in an interactive webcast entitled, "Youth Sports Injury – What Every Parent Needs to Know," on October 27 at 7 p.m. EDT. Pre-registration is required. Speakers include leading experts from the fields of sports medicine, athletic training, pediatrics and child safety. The webcast will be available for future viewing here: http://media.xfactorcom.com/sd/20101027_sports/.

"We are issuing a call to action to parents everywhere to learn more about how they can play an even greater role in preventing youth sports injuries," said Jamie A. Freishtat, MD, one of the speakers for the webinar and a board-certified pediatrician, safety advocate and blogger for Safe Kids USA. "It's more than making sure your kids get to and from games and keeping their schedule. It's about knowing early warning signs, partnering with their coach and making sure you and your kids have the right attitude and realistic expectations about sports."

Is Your Kid Sports Ready? Pre-Participation Physical Evaluations: Safe Kids USA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend every child receive an annual pre-participation evaluation (PPE), which will help determine his/her readiness to play sports and may uncover underlying conditions that could limit participation or increase the risk for injury or a medical emergency. Parents should talk to their child's doctor and ask them to perform the full pre-participation evaluation, which was recently updated by the AAP.

Overuse Injuries: Experts say up to 50 percent of all injuries seen in pediatric sports medicine are related to overuse.(4) An overuse injury is difficult to diagnose and treat because they are usually subtle and occur over time. Fatigue, burnout or playing while injured can lead to sport-related injuries for children including sprains (mostly ankle), muscle strains, bone or growth plate injuries and repetitive motion injuries. Warming up and stretching before play is essential to preventing sports related injuries. This helps athletes avoid injuries such as muscle tears or sprains by stretching and releasing any muscle tension.

Concussion: Children who do not wear or use protective equipment are at greater risk of sustaining sports-related injuries. Parents can reduce their child's risk of minor or serious injuries such as concussions by making sure their child wears the appropriate and properly fitted sports equipment during practice and play and knowing the signs and symptoms of a concussion.

Dehydration/Health Related Illness: Young athletes need to be encouraged to drink water before, during and after practice, and play to prevent dehydration and the risk of heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Athletes should start practice/play fully hydrated, drinking water for every 20 minutes of play.

View the Safe Kids USA sports safety guide online here (http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-guide/sports-safety-guide/).

Safe Kids USA Partners for Prevention

Safe Kids USA is coordinating this national campaign through an alliance and collaboration that spans scientific, medical and health professional, non-profit and corporate organizations across the country. The partners include: The American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Pediatrics – Council on Sports Medicine & Fitness, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American Optometric Association – Sports Vision Section Council, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Johnson & Johnson/DePuy Mitek, LA 84 Foundation, National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), Safe Kids Worldwide, Santa Monica Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group, and the University of Michigan Bone &Joint Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation Center.

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Just-In-Time For Mystery Month New Titles Scare Children Into Reading

2010-10-12T08:34:00.000-04:00

October is National Mystery Month, kicking off with Mystery Series Week October 3 through 9. What better time to encourage children to get immersed in a page-turning mystery adventure? The release of award-winning author Carole Marsh’s six newest mysteries is perfect for celebrating Mystery Month!

“I can’t wait to hear from readers which is their favorite,” enthuses Marsh. “I am thrilled to publish them in time for Mystery Month and to support 2010: The Year of the Children’s Mystery Book. A writer’s most exciting day is the day a new book is in reader’s hands. With the delivery of six new titles to my fans, I am over the moon!”

With interesting (and historic, but never dull) U.S. settings that range from Death Valley to the Smoky Mountains and from Cape Cod to the Lost Colony, these new mysteries from Marsh’s America’s National Mystery Book Series are full of fun facts, mysterious messages, and enticing clues to solve.

The six new titles are:
Carole Marsh Mysteries encompass 78 books in 9 distinct series. These 6 new mysteries build America’s National Mystery Book Series to 40 titles. This series, which won the Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice Award for the Family, features real children visiting real U.S. places. Kids love these mysteries because they are fun to read, and teachers and parents love them because of their high-value educational content. Plus, each mystery has an Accelerated Reader level, Lexile measure, Fountas & Pinnell level, and DRA level.

Carole Marsh is the national spokesperson of 2010: Year for the Children’s Mystery Book (visit www.childrensmysterybooks.org to learn more) and has been named Georgia Author of the Year for Middle Readers. She is the founder and CEO of Gallopade International, a leader in the production of children’s books, curriculum-related materials and supplementary educational materials since 1979.

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1 in 4 High School Students and Young Adults Report Binge Drinking

2010-10-07T12:02:00.000-04:00

60 percent of high school students who drink, binge drink

More than 1 in 4 high school students and adults ages 18 to 34 engaged in a dangerous behavior known as binge drinking during the past month, according to the findings from a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report shows that each year more than 33 million adults have reported binge drinking, defined as having four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men over a short period of time, usually a couple of hours. And the report said levels of binge drinking have not declined during the past 15 years.

The CDC report found men are more than twice as likely to binge drink than women (21 percent compared to 10 percent). It said binge drinking is more common among non-Hispanic whites (16 percent of whom binge drink) than among non-Hispanic blacks, (10 percent of whom binge drink).

"Binge drinking, increases many health risks, including fatal car crashes, contracting a sexually transmitted disease, dating violence, and drug overdoses," said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. "Excessive alcohol use remains the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States and leads to a wide range of health and social problems."

In this report, CDC scientists analyzed data on self reports of binge drinking within the past 30 days for about 412,000 U.S. adults aged 18 years and older from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and for approximately 16,000 U.S. high school students from the 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).

"Alarmingly, almost 1 in 3 adults and 2 in 3 high school students who drink alcohol also binge drink, which usually leads to intoxication," said Dr. Robert Brewer, M.D., M.P.H., alcohol program leader at CDC and one of the authors of the report. "Although most binge drinkers are not alcohol-dependent or alcoholics, they often engage in this high risk behavior without realizing the health and social problems of their drinking. States and communities need to consider further strategies to create an environment that discourages binge drinking."

Drinking too much, including binge drinking, causes more than 79,000 deaths in the United States each year. Binge drinkers also put themselves and others at risk of car crashes, violence, the risk of HIV transmission and sexually transmitted diseases, and unplanned pregnancy. Over time, drinking too much can lead to liver disease, certain cancers, heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. Binge drinking can also cause harm to a developing fetus, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, if a woman drinks while pregnant.

Binge drinking varies widely from state to state, with estimates of binge drinking for adults ranging from 6.8 percent in Tennessee to 23.9 percent in Wisconsin. It is most common in the Midwest, North Central Plains, lower New England, Delaware, Alaska, Nevada, and the District of Columbia.

For more information on binge drinking, visit www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns or www.cdc.gov/alcohol. Members of the public who are concerned about their own or someone else's binge drinking can call 1-800-662-HELP to receive assistance from the national Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service. For state-specific estimates of alcohol-related deaths and Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) by condition, visit the Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI) system at https://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/ardi/HomePage.aspx.

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Tips For A Healthy Halloween

2010-10-07T10:44:00.000-04:00

(StatePoint) Halloween ghouls may give kids a fright, but the buckets and bags of candy that come home can be equally scary for parents. With the abundance of sweet treats consumed on Halloween, not to mention the Thanksgiving pies and holiday cookies to come, now is the perfect time to teach your kids healthy habits, such as nutritious eating and good oral hygiene.

Here are some ideas for keeping things healthy while still having fun:

Candy Common Sense

Consider offering alternatives to candy on Halloween. Stickers, removable tattoos or bottles of bubbles will be a refreshing change for kids of all ages. Toys like jump ropes, hacky sacks or sidewalk chalk for hopscotch will encourage kids to be active while still having fun.

Of course, you won't be able to avoid candy completely. Let your kids indulge now and then. Enjoying treats in moderation will help your kids learn to savor the moment.

The Unsweet Tooth

Half of all American kids will have a cavity by age 10. The good news is that you can play a role in teaching your kids healthy oral care habits from an early age. Be a role model with your own oral health by brushing and flossing every day and encourage your kids to practice along with you. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests parents supervise children under seven.

Making brushing fun can encourage interdependence so kids become accustomed to their daily routines. Power toothbrushes, which typically remove more plaque than manual ones, can assist parents in teaching healthy brushing habits. Consider trying a toothbrush like the Philips Sonicare For Kids. It's simple to use and designed with two gripping locations so you can help your child brush. It also has a "KidTimer" to help children reach the dentist-recommended two-minute brushing time and musical tones indicating when it's time to move to a different area of the mouth. To learn more, visit sonicareforkids.philips.com.

Snack-or-Treat?

On Halloween, offer your kids a healthy snack before they go trick-or-treating. Peanut butter and apple slices and a glass of low-fat milk will go a long way in keeping candy cravings at bay. Filling them with protein and fiber will leave less room for sweet treats that offer little nutritional value.

Party Down

Halloween parties are a great new tradition that allows kids to stay safely off the streets while eating a moderate amount of sweets and getting exercise from fun and games. Just make sure you keep lit candles and jack-o-lanterns away from high-traffic areas. Then join in the fun!

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R Ur Kids on Drugs?

2010-09-28T07:45:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The text messages on a child's phone look innocent enough. "I want a Ben and Jerry's." "Is Lori in town?" "I'm fixing a BLT." "I want a Bean Burrito." Most parents would assume their teenager is going for an ice cream, looking for their friend Lori, making a bacon-lettuce-and-tomato sandwich, but decides on a bean burrito instead. Unfortunately, their assumptions are wrong. The text messages actually mean: "I want ice or crystal meth." "Is there any Lorcet?" "I'm fixing a blunt." "I want Ecstasy."

A 2008 study by CTIA-The Wireless Association showed four out of five teens carried a wireless device and 47 percent of them reported that they can text with their eyes closed. According to Robert W. Mooney, M.D., addiction psychiatrist for Willingway Hospital, it is imperative for parents to have their eyes wide open to code names for illicit drugs as part of their diligence in helping to prevent drug abuse among today's youth.

"Even before electronic messaging, it was difficult for parents to ask specifically about their child's behavior," said Dr. Mooney. "Parents have always been the last to know. But now parents are behind the eight ball because they tend to be fairly naive about electronic devices and technology which adds to the difficulty in addressing this. Parents don't need to be cyber spies or cyber police, but need to continue to be highly involved in their children's lives in an electronic age."

Other translations for common drug-related teen text talk:

* "Has anyone seen tina?" – Another code for crystal meth.
* "What you know 'bout them tree?" – Code for pot, or marijuana.
* "U seen that white girl?" – Code for cocaine.
* "U seen elvis and blue suede shoes?" – Code for blue lorcets, or prescription pain killers.
* "Elvis has left the building." - The drug dealer is gone.
* "Are you coming to pick up the girls or the boys?" – A drug dealer asking if teen wants cocaine or heroin, respectively.
* "The eagle has landed." – Code for drugs are ready for pick-up.

Communities around the country are increasingly trying to become part of the solution to the ongoing drug abuse problem among today's youth. As an example, Willingway Hospital is partnering with the Statesboro Police Department to sponsor a community forum for interested parents, educators, youth pastors and counselors as part of September's National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month 2010. Treatment professionals and representatives from the Statesboro Police Department will educate the community about how teens use mobile messaging to communicate about drugs, the signs of alcohol and drug use in young adults, and trends of drug use and abuse in city.

"Mothers and fathers need to be very aware of what's going on with their child's computer," said Scott Brunson, Captain of the Criminal Investigative Division of the Statesboro Police Department. "In addition to shortcut language and slang terms, the Internet provides ample information on how to make crack, how to manufacture methamphetamines, and how to beat a drug test."

Often though, drugs that are being misused come right from the unknowing parents. "A lot of drugs that are in the home medicine cabinet have a value in cyber space. Social networking provides an avenue to find drugs a lot easier. A child can instantly send out a Facebook message to hundreds of friends to check out other parents' medicine cabinets. This creates a significantly efficient market for pharmaceuticals, as families' medicine cabinets now become part of the drug scene," added Dr. Mooney.

Dr. Mooney advises parents to routinely clean out their medicine cabinet to discard unused drugs and to create an electronic "cone of silence" where TVs, cell phones, laptops and Blackberries are turned off so meaningful face-to-face conversations can take place with children about what is expected of them.

"Parents should feel empowered to 'disempower' the electronics, ultimately helping their children face down the temptations of drug abuse," added Dr. Mooney.

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How to make your Halloween festivities extra spooky

2010-09-14T09:09:00.000-04:00

(ARA) - Halloween is the second most decorated holiday, so it won't be long until ghouls and goblins, witches and vampires, pumpkins and candy corn adornments begin appearing in advance of trick-or-treating and haunting celebrations.

This year, instead of buying your decorations, why not brew a little imagination? Just stir in a few items you already have around the house and a couple of cans of spray paint to create bewitching, inexpensive pieces for your home and yard.

Here are three project ideas to inspire and help you easily put some extra spookiness in your Halloween trick-or-treating.

Ghoulish gravestones
Turn a couple of old boxes into a chilling graveyard to keep the goblins and vampires at bay.

What you'll need: Black granite textured "stone" spray paint, such as Krylon's Make It Stone; spray adhesive; glow-in-the-dark paint; boxes (note: old shipping boxes work well); foam or wood letters; various Halloween decorations; hot or super glue; packing tape; newspaper; large nails or ground stakes; and scissors.

How to do it: Set up a spray paint area in a well-ventilated area by covering a table with newspaper. Assemble a box and tape over folded seams leaving one end open, as that will serve as the bottom of your gravestone. Cut a name plaque to fit the box from the cardboard of another and affix with spray adhesive. Glue letters onto the plaque.

Embellish the top of your gravestone with glued-on Halloween decorations, like a bat or skull. Paint the entire gravestone with two to three coats of "stone" spray paint, letting it dry between coats. Once it's dry, highlight areas with glow-in-the-dark paint. Place a stake in the ground, prop up your box and enjoy scaring the neighbors with your ghoulishly gorgeous graveyard.

Ghostly globes
Add a spooky twist to your outside walkway on All Hallow's Eve - without having to carve several messy pumpkins - by creating glowing ghostly globes.

What you'll need: Round glass votives; newspaper; one can each of white frosted glass, white and glow-in-the-dark spray paint, such as Krylon Glowz; and a black craft pen.

How to do it: Cover your workspace with newspaper. Spray several light coats of white frosted glass paint on the lip of each votive and let dry. Next, add several light coats of white paint to the outside bottom of votives, blending the white seamlessly with the frosted glass. Let dry completely.

Spray the entire exterior with glow-in-the dark paint, which will allow your votives to shine even when not lit. Finally, draw facial features with a black paint pen.

Spooky party servers
Embellish your Halloween party buffet by transforming ordinary terra cotta pots into spooky party servers.

What you'll need: White primer; pumpkin orange, gloss white and gold glitter spray paint; black webbing spray from Krylon; brush-on black paint; repositionable adhesive; assorted terra cotta pots and saucers; metal or enamel bowl; glue; paper; pencil; scissors; and a small paint brush.

How to do it: Wash the pots and saucers. Allow to dry. Spray all the terra cotta with white primer. Let dry and spray with gloss white. Once dry, turn pots upside down and glue the bottom of a saucer to the bottom of each pot. Draw ghosts, tombstones and other scary characters on paper. Cut the shapes out and spray one side with repositionable adhesive.

Position the paper shapes randomly on the pots. Spray the outside of the bowl and terra cotta pieces with pumpkin orange paint. Once dry, spray all the pieces with black webbing spray, then lightly with gold glitter spray. When all the paint is dry, remove paper templates and add details, such as features on the ghosts and words on the tombstones, with black paint. Be sure to not to place unwrapped food on any painted surface.

For more Halloween decorating inspiration, there are a plethora of arts and crafts websites, such as yourholidaystyle.com, offering tips, tricks and inspiration to help you spook your family, guests and trick-or-treaters.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Win Up to $20,000 for Your School Plus Another $20,000 for You!

2010-09-09T14:19:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Bake sale blockbusters, popular potlucks, teachers' lounge favorites, fabulous finger foods, delicious desserts, good for you goodies... The stomach often rules the mind at school. Now, Taste of Home, the world's most popular cooking magazine, and Books are Fun(TM) have teamed up to put some money where that food goes with the Taste of Home Teachers Recipe Contest.

Books Are Fun will award more than $70,000 in cash and prizes for the best original submitted recipes chosen by the staff at Taste of Home, with $20,000 awarded to BOTH the grand prize winner and the affiliated school.

"Taste of Home is thrilled to work with Books Are Fun to celebrate our teachers and all the wonderful people who help make our schools so special," said Catherine Cassidy, editor-in-chief of Taste of Home. "We've all heard the news stories about budget cuts. This is a chance to do something positive for schools."

The Taste of Home Teachers Recipe Contest has six categories for submissions:

-- Appetizers & Snacks Finger foods are always popular in the teachers'
lounge. Pick the spreads, snack mix, and other savory bites that keep
the staff happily munching!
-- Soups, Salads and Sides What recipe do you grab for your potluck?
We're looking for dishes that travel well and steal the show, like
salads and pasta creations among others!
-- Entrees What's your best main course outside of school? We want to see
your bubbling casseroles, slow-cooked specialties, family-favorite
main dishes and even party subs!
-- Desserts Enter everything from cakes and pies to trifles and tortes in
this tooth-tingling category!
-- Bake Sale Send us your favorite cookies, cupcakes, bars, brownies,
spiced nuts and home-made jams--whatever clears bake-sale tables the
quickest!
-- Healthy Recipes Healthy is huge in school these days -- submit your
favorite recipe that is so good, no one ever guesses it's lower in fat
and calories.

The Taste of Home tasting panel will pick three winners from all of the submissions. The grand prize winner will win $20,000 and $20,000 for the school affiliated with that winner, plus a free one-year subscription to Taste of Home magazine for all paid full-time teachers and staff at the school. The second-place winner will win $10,000, plus $10,000 for the school. Third place will take home $5,000 plus $5,000 for the school.

Entry forms and rules can be found at www.tasteofhome.com/teacherscontest or www.teacherscontest.booksarefun.com. Tell your friends on Facebook about the contest by going to TasteofHome.com/ShareTeachersContest. Completed entries must be received by 11:59pm (CT) on November 30, 2010.

An Important Note from 'Home' for all Teachers (and Administrators, Staff, Coaches and PTA/PTO Officers): The World's #1 Cooking Magazine wants you!

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Contest, Contest, Read All About It!

2010-09-07T15:42:00.000-04:00

Middle school students in 6, 7 and 8th grades are eligible to participate

Prize Money will be awarded to the top nine finalists!

/PRNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by CPSC Blogger:

Calling all middle schoolers! CPSC is hosting a poster contest on carbon monoxide safety.

Carbon monoxide is called the "invisible killer." That's because it's a gas that you can't see or smell and it can kill its victims quickly. It gets into homes from:

-- Running a portable generator in an enclosed space, basement or living
area
-- Running a car in an attached garage
-- Poorly operating fuel-burning appliances or faulty ventilation
-- Burning charcoal inside your home

To help raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide, or CO, in homes, CPSC wants middle schoolers to create a poster and try to WIN prize money. The contest is open to students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Nine of them (3 from each grade) will be chosen to win $250. A grand finalist from the group will receive an additional grand prize of $500.

Each year more than 150 people in the U.S. die from accidental non-fire CO poisoning associated with consumer products and that number is on the rise. The winning poster will be used in CPSC's outreach to get the word out about this danger.

So, don't delay. Get your middle schooler involved. All the details are right on CPSC's contest page at http://www.challenge.gov/cpsc. See our new CO video there too. Once your middle schooler has drawn the poster, submit it on our contest site. Posters will be judged on the clarity of the CO message, visual appeal and originality. Be sure to support the challenge and share it with all your friends. And check back to the contest page often. We'll be showing you the posters as they arrive.

Carbon Monoxide Poster Contest
September 7 through December 31, 2010

Find out more about the contest and the rules and submit posters at www.challenge.gov/cpsc. Posters can also be submitted by mail to CPSC Poster Contest, 4330 East West Hwy, Rm. 519, Bethesda, MD 20814

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Operation Military Kids camp teaches coping skills

2010-09-07T12:16:00.000-04:00

Through a special camp offered by Georgia 4-H, children of soldiers experience what life is like for their parent during active duty.

Operation Military Kids is a week-long camp designed for children whose parents are currently deployed, soon to be deployed or have recently returned from deployment by any service branch or component. It takes place this summer at Georgia 4-H’s Camp Wahsega in Dahlonega.
Free to military families

The camp is free and funded by a grant from the 4-H National Headquarters and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. OMK is a partnership between 4-H and the Department of the Army. More than 150,000 youth participated in national OMK events across the country last year.

In Georgia this summer, campers visited nearby Camp Frank D. Merrill, an Army ranger camp in Dahlonega.

“If you are an Army ranger, Camp Merrill is one of your stops,” said Marcus Eason, the Georgia OMK coordinator. Camp Merrill is the home of the 5th Ranger Training Battalion and the mountain phase of the U.S. Army Ranger School. “They’ve been doing mountain training there since the ‘50s, and our campers used the repelling wall there and used the wire bridge to cross the river.”

Making new friends with shared lifestyles

Campers learned skills to help them cope with the stress of their parent’s deployment, Eason said. “And they got to spend time making friends with other military kids who are also missing their mom or dad.”

Thirteen-year-old Katrina Petersen’s father, Staff Sergeant Robert Petersen, has served two tours in Iraq. She has lots of friends at Academy of Richmond County in Augusta, Ga. Thanks to the OMK camp, she now has friends who can relate to her home life.

“(The camp) helped me a lot because I got to meet other military kids,” she said. “They all live about three hours away from me, but we keep in touch by texting each other, and we’ll see each other at camp next summer.”

In the past, Georgia guard and reservists have sacrificed time with their families by spending one weekend a month and one training week each summer away from home, barring any state or national disaster.

A need during current times

"With Operation Enduring Freedom and the Overseas Contingency Operations, our country is relying more and more on guard and reservists,” Eason said. "When a parent leaves for duty, it impacts the entire family. These OMK summer camps are designed to help them cope."

Petersen knows this first hand.

“When you are in the military, you have to make a lot of commitments. You have a lot of responsibilities, and so does your family,” she said. “My dad was away from home for a year and then for 15 months. I’m really glad he’s home safe now.”

Most of the children who attend OMK camp in Georgia have parents stationed at Ft. Benning, Ft. Gordon and the Ft. Stewart area. “But there are also a lot of military in our state that aren’t necessarily assigned to a military installation,” Eason said.

The kids experience military life and gain confidence in themselves and their abilities, he said. But they are still at 4-H camps. Campers swim, make crafts, climb the ropes course, play sports and participate in environmental education classes.

Swimming and having fun, too

"The kids get to do all the things we do in every other 4-H camp across our state," Eason said. “Except, OMK campers made a special trip to raft down the Ocoee River and go spelunking in Tennessee. We want these kids to be able to just get away from home and be kids.”

Each year, more than 700 military families and youths participate in Georgia 4-H camping programs specifically designed for military families, like OMK.

To learn more about Georgia 4-H’s military programs, visit www.georgia4h.org/omk .

By Sharon Dowdy
University of Georgia

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This School Year, Learn About the 3 R’s -- and Your Brain

2010-09-02T09:52:00.000-04:00

As our children prepare for the first day of school this fall, they will fill their book bags with the usual paraphernalia; notebooks, pencils, and even laptops. What most of them won't bring to school is an understanding of the most important tool they are going use -- their brains.

As neuroscientists, we are dismayed that we do not give our students the most basic information about the care and use of their brains. Research reveals there are a number of things students can do to improve their performance in both academics and life outside of school. We're not talking about smart pills, expensive imaging or difficult procedures. We're talking about teaching what a student needs to know about his brain, so he can use it properly and perform well.

It all starts with attitude. Other researchers have found that students have one of two basic beliefs, or "mindsets," about their brains. They either believe their brain function is fixed and they're stuck with the capabilities with which they were born, or they can improve their brain function and accomplish harder tasks. The latter group takes risks, not fearing failure, because they know that learning and growth comes from failure. Even if they were not born with exceptional intellectual abilities, these kids tend to be more successful.
The good news is students can learn the "growth" mindset. Simply letting them know that learning improves with practice and training makes a measurable difference in performance. This belief works well for disadvantaged kids.

There's more good news. Students can improve brain function without a moment of additional study -- no extra books, computer drills or tutoring sessions. They need to make three simple lifestyle changes, each of which is based on findings from modern neuroscience.
First, sleep at least 8-9 hours every night. Sleep deprivation can impair learning as much as brain damage. When you sleep, the brain consolidates what you learned when you were awake.
Second, eat a breakfast with protein (even cereal with a generous serving of milk) to provide a sustained source of blood sugar, which is essential to alertness. This avoids the rush and crash of a high-sugar breakfast.
Third, move every day -- dance, walk, skateboard, whatever. Exercise leads to development of new brain cells and improves memory.
So why not just stop class, tell students what to do, and then give them a brochure to take home to their parents? Well, because there is much more to learn than these simple lessons. Change takes knowledge, motivation, time and practice, and the support of the home and community. It can't be done in 10 minutes, but it can be taught, aided by daily messages from parents, teachers and the media. It can even start well before the school years, if parents are taught the basics.
So why don't school curricula and parent training classes include training about the brain? Perhaps one reason is we scientists have not stressed enough the importance of brain health. If we did this, then educators could include brain information throughout the school environment, from academics to classroom behavior to extracurricular activities.
Also, schools are required to do high-stakes testing for the basic courses, and perhaps they feel there isn't time for something as unusual as teaching about the brain. We have a solution that should please everyone.
Most school systems are required to teach a health curriculum for all students. We think this is one place to include formal instruction about the brain. We can meet the mandated goals of these curricula while also teaching the basics of brain function and brain health. Almost every goal of current curricula relates in some way to the brain-- exercise, sex, media literacy or substance abuse. Because improved brain function leads to improved school performance, schools should be anxious to teach this lesson, and adopt such a curriculum.
Teaching students about brain health gives them some control over their own learning, is not expensive, and does not add to a school's burden. At a time when our educational system is in crisis, we need to change our mindsets and teach students about the most important tool they have -- their brain.

By Wilkie A. Wilson and Cynthia Kuhn

Wilkie A. Wilson is a research professor of prevention science at Duke; Cynthia Kuhn is a professor of pharmacology and cancer biology. Both are both affiliated with Duke's Center for Child and Family Policy.

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Seven early-semester study tips

2010-08-27T16:10:00.000-04:00

Seeing friends again after a summer apart is always exciting, but it's easy to use that as an excuse to put off studying for classes until you're facing midterms. Avoid that pre-exam panic with these study tips to use now while the semester is still new.

* Take and get notes now: The night before a midterm isn't the time to e-mail the class listserv, begging for notes because of a family emergency, whether it's real or concocted. Establish a system to organize notes, whether it's setting aside a different notebook for each class or saving typed lecture notes in separate folders. Be sure to back up your notes using secure wireless Internet. Clearly mark notes with the lecture date and topic that correspond with your syllabus for easier studying later.

* Keep track of reading: Details found exclusively in class readings show up on exams, so make sure to keep up with assigned reading. Once you fall behind in your books, it's hard to get back on schedule. Highlight reading assignments on syllabi as you complete them and write them down on sticky notes to use as bookmarks for the texts.

* Schedule study time: Study and reading time is less of an inconvenience when it's already mapped out in your schedule. Use your high-speed Internet connection to access Google's calendar function and block out hours by subject so you can better judge your free time. Be sure to stick to the schedule and treat yourself to study breaks.

* Pick a study location: Some people thrive in silence while others need background noise. Test which environment works best for you by studying at a library, student center and your own desk. Walking to the library takes more effort than sitting at your desk, but productivity there means more time for fun later.

* Read during down time: Spare time between classes is one of the best times to study because you're already in a learning mindset. Always carry a reading assignment or bring your laptop so those extra minutes can go toward your workload rather than the daily crossword.

* Use online resources: Somehow teachers know which definitions you didn't write down in class and always put them on study guides and tests. When - not if - that happens, use the greatest tool at your fingertips, the Internet. But be sure to check with multiple sources before memorizing anything found online. Also double-check essay citations and formatting using an online guide to avoid unnecessary penalties.

* Practice time-tested methods: Flash cards that worked well for memorizing multiplication tables in elementary school are also great for subjects that rely on memorization, like history and foreign languages. Study groups are also helpful because chances are someone else in the group understands concepts or has notes that you don't. Just try to set a time table for group study time and steer away from chatter.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Parents Shift Behavior to Save More for Their Children's College Education, Says College Savings Foundation Survey - Financial Literacy Education and Targeted College Savings are Key Trends

2010-08-25T09:35:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- More parents of college-bound students are saving for their children's college education and trying to reduce the burden of college financing from their children's shoulders, finds The State of College Savings, the annual survey of nearly 800 parents across the country and income brackets conducted by the College Savings Foundation.

"As a result of the economic crisis of the last several years, American families are aware of the need to save more, minimize debt and increase their financial literacy. It is clear from the survey findings that parents are shifting their behavior toward greater and more consistent savings," said Peter Mazareas, Chairman of CSF, a leading nonprofit whose mission is to help American families save for their children's college education.

Sixty-five percent of parents are saving for their children's college education, up from 59 percent last year. Conversely, the number of parents who weren't saving at all has fallen to 35 percent this year, down from 41 percent in 2009.

A major survey finding was the increased importance of financial literacy education for both parents and their children. Seventy-six percent of all respondents said that they take the time to teach their children how to be financially literate. Nearly all - 90 percent - said that they believe there is a need to teach financial literacy to children as part of the school curriculum. Of those parents, 82 percent said that they believed that school districts should be required to offer a multi-grade integrated financial literacy curriculum.

As evidence of a stronger savings mindset, parents advocated for financial literacy for their children and a more conducive environment for saving for themselves: 29 percent said that it would be easier to save with "more savings awareness - our society is too revolved around spending." A new finding is that 12 percent said that they have cut back on their discretionary spending.

"A better-educated and financially literate person will avoid the excess of debt and consumption that will have long-term negative consequences on both the consumer and the nation's economy," Mazareas said.

America's college-bound children are the end beneficiaries of their parents' improved saving habits: the portion of parents who expect their children to help with college financing has dropped to 60 percent from 68 percent last year. That drop occurred among parents who expect their children to finance between zero to one-third of their college costs (38 percent this year, down from 46 percent in 2009). Those expecting their children to help finance more than one-third have stayed the same.

Nonetheless, parents' confidence in their ability to reach their college savings goals is improving, with those who are "Completely, Very or Somewhat Confident" rising to 66 percent over 56 percent last year; and those who are "Not Confident" falling to 34 percent, down from 44 percent last year.

Targeted Savings Goals and Vehicles

Among people who are saving, those who are saving specifically for college jumped 14 points to 44 percent this year, up from 30 percent last year. Interestingly, the responses for saving in General and Emergency categories stayed the same as they were in 2009.

"While people are still saving for emergencies, the focus on avoiding student loan debt through college savings has clearly reaped results," Mazareas said.

One in four of all respondents owns a 529 college savings plan, with 56 percent of those employing automatic savings plans to enable consistent savings, up from 49 percent last year.

"Not only are more people saving for college, but they think it is enough of a priority to set up automatic savings plans to do so," Mazareas added.

As in last year's survey, parents using 529 college savings plans were more successful savers than those without them. Those who utilize a 529 saved more: 20 percent have saved between $5,001 - $10,000 (as compared to 10 percent without a 529); 17 percent have saved between $10,001 and $25,000 (as compared to 6 percent without a 529), and 15 percent has saved between $25,001 - $50,000 (as compared to 4 percent without a 529). While every 529 holder had saved something, 46 percent of those who did not utilize a 529 college savings plan had saved nothing at all.

Overall, the survey showed that more parents have increased their savings. Fifteen percent said they are saving more for college this year over last, almost double the 8 percent from one year ago. Perhaps more importantly, those parents are saving significantly more: 24 percent said they were saving between 10-15 percent more than last year - up from 5 percent in 2009. And, 17 percent said they were saving between 15-20 percent more - that's up from 11 percent in 2009.

Those who are saving less dropped to 28 percent, down from 32 percent last year.

The appetite for student loans appears to be waning:
-- 62 percent anticipate using them - down from 71 percent last year.
-- As the primary financing source, student loans dipped to 42
percent down from 47 percent in 2009; but parental loans edged up
to 14 percent from 11 percent last year.
-- Parents are more realistic about the long-term commitment required to
pay back loans: 30 percent expect they or their child to be paying
back loans beyond ten years after graduation; and 69 percent beyond
five years.

Parents would like to see Administration and Congress regulate college costs:

-- 26 percent up from 19 percent last year.

The College Savings Foundation's fourth annual survey of parents, The State of College Savings, surveyed nearly 789 parents from a Zoomerang data base from across the country and income brackets ($0 - $49,999; $50,000 - $99,999; $100,000-$149,999; and > $150,000). For more information see www.collegesavingsfoundation.org.

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Recognize A Dynamic Young Hero

2010-08-23T13:46:00.000-04:00

(NAPSI)-If you know a selfless child or teenager who has made a difference in the lives of others, there's a way to reward his or her dedication and determination.

Young people who have accomplished amazing things--both large and small--can win the ultimate summer celebration in their honor. Adults can nominate outstanding kids as part of the Nestlé® Drumstick® brand Heroes Contest. Fifty winning kids will be awarded a celebration complete with enough Nestlé Drumstick sundae cones and a fun-filled party package to host an unforgettable event for up to 50 family and friends.

"Entries will be judged on the child or teenager's accomplishments, as well as the originality and creativity used to achieve their goals," said John Harrison, Official Ice Cream Taster for the brand.

Last year's winners expressed kindness beyond their years. For example, Hannah Tachouet, age 13, from Sebastopol, CA, collected over 25 bags of clothing and $1,100 for a women's shelter. When delivering the donation, she learned that the shelter had no money to purchase breakfast for the week and that many women were going hungry. Struck by the fact that members of her own community were going without this basic need, Tachouet continues to donate to the organization, and to speak to her peers about the importance of giving.

Contest entry forms are available to download at www.drumstick.com. Submit your story (150 to 500 words), along with the completed entry form, describing why the child deserves to be honored. Adults over the age of 18 may nominate children between 6 and 17 years of age who are residents of the United States. Official contest rules are online. All entries must be received by September 15, 2010. Winning children will be notified by phone and/or mail each month throughout the contest.

Creamy, crunchy, chocolatey Nestlé Drumstick sundae cones are available at grocery stores and other retail locations in both full-size cones and snack-sized Lil' Drums™ cones. What's more, the sweet and timeless flavors of S'mores and Caramel are now available in a Variety Pack of 10 snack-size cones. Perhaps even better, each cone is 120 calories or less.

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Professor Gives Tips on Handling Cyberbullying, Sexting

2010-08-20T14:52:00.001-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Parents should be more involved in their children's online activities and know what to do if their child is being bullied in cyberspace or engaging in sexting, according to one expert.

Cyberbullying and sexting have become major problems facing school-age children, their parents as well as school personnel, according to Bridget Roberts-Pittman, Indiana State University assistant professor of counseling.

"With the increase in technological devices, children are now using such to harass and harm other children," said Roberts-Pittman. "Many children have personal cell phones making it very easy to use these devices in that way. Communication in cyberspace also seems more anonymous and seems to require less responsibility on the part of the child committing the behavior."

While bullying has long posed problems for children, it has now moved to cyberspace. Surveys show as many as 25 percent of children are reporting being cyberbullied. Cyberbullying can be defined as the use of technological devices to deliberately harass or harm another person such as through e-mail, text messaging, instant messaging, cell phones and Internet social networking sites.

Sexting refers to sending sexually explicit photographs typically via a cell phone. At least 20 percent of teens said they have sent a sexually explicit photo through a cell phone.

"Teens and their parents are not aware of the serious nature of such an act and the potentially life-long consequences," Roberts-Pittman said of sexting.

In responding to cyberbullying and sexting issues, Roberts-Pittman said parents need to be aware of major changes in a child's behavior.

"Behavior change is a part of adolescence. However, a significant change could mean the child is dealing with a serious issue such a cyberbullying," she said. "Parents should be aware of signs such as anxiety, depression, their child not wanting to attend school or making a drastic decision such as quitting a sports team."

Parents also need to be aware of what their children are doing in cyberspace. While 93 percent of parents said they knew what their children were doing online, 52 percent of children said they do not tell their parents what they do online, according to Roberts-Pittman.

"Parents have a right to check their child's phone and Internet use," she said and suggested using software packages such as Spectorsoft or I Am Big Brother. "Parents need to talk to their children about cyberbullying and sexting. Children today are so saturated with technology that they might not even recognize the behavior as a serious problem."

Teens caught sexting can be charged with possession of or distribution of child pornography and be required to register as a sex offender for many years, up to 20 in Indiana.

"The Legislature has not caught up with technology," she said. "The best message for children is 'Don't do it.'"

Roberts-Pittman said parents can take steps to help their children if they are involved in sexting or cyberbullying. The first is to listen.

"It is critical that children feel heard and understood," she said. "Keeping an open dialogue about issues such as peers is not easy, but very important for children to know that they can talk to their parents."

She said children often do not talk to their parents because they are afraid of their parents revoking their cell phone or computer privileges. They also don't believe their parents have the technical knowledge to understand. They also fear their parents will say "I told you so."

A second step for parents to help their children is to know they have options, especially in responding to cyberbullying.

"They can and should talk to the police about harassment," Roberts-Pittman said. "If the information is posted on a social networking site, they can contact the site to have the information removed."

The third step is to save all of the texts and emails sent to the child.

"It seems to be the parent's natural tendency to encourage their child to ignore the information and delete but that is the opposite of what we want children to do," she said. "Information can be tracked and traced."

Also, parents of the child being bullied may want to address the cyberbullying with the parents of the child committing the bullying.

"I only encourage parents to do this if they have the saved information to share with the other parents," she said.

As a fourth step, Roberts-Pittman said parents should share the information with school personnel.

"The collaboration between parents and school officials is critical to address the cyberbullying and sexting," she said.

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Teen Vaccination Rates Increasing Across the US

2010-08-19T16:41:00.000-04:00

CDC survey provides estimates of coverage for adolescent vaccination at the national, state and selected local area levels

Continued increases--as much as 15 percent--were made in nationwide coverage for vaccines specifically recommended for pre-teens, according to 2009 National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) estimates released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The survey of more than 20,000 teens aged 13-17 found that in 2009 there were increases in the percentage of teens in this age group who had received vaccines routinely recommended for 11- and 12-year-olds. Specifically:

-- For one dose of the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine
(Tdap), coverage went up about 15 points to about 56 percent;
-- For one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine, coverage went up
about 12 points to about 54 percent;
-- For girls who received at least one dose of human papillomavirus (HPV)
vaccine, coverage increased 7 points to about 44 percent. However, for
girls who received the recommended three doses of HPV vaccine,
coverage was only about 27 percent (a 9 percent increase);
-- For one dose of HPV vaccine, no differences were observed between
racial/ethnic groups. However, coverage was higher among teens living
in poverty compared with those living at or above the poverty level.
For the recommended three doses of HPV vaccine, differences were
observed between racial/ethnic groups, including significantly lower
coverage for blacks and Hispanics compared to whites;
-- There were no significant differences in coverage by racial/ethnic
group or by poverty status for Tdap or meningococcal conjugate
vaccine; and
-- As in 2008, there was wide variation in adolescent vaccination
coverage among state and local areas.

"This year's data are mixed," said Anne Schuchat, M.D., director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. "We can see that more parents of adolescents are electing to protect their children from serious diseases such as pertussis, meningitis, and cervical cancer, but there is clear room for improvement in our system's ability to reach this age group."

"Pertussis outbreaks in several states and an increase in pertussis-related infant deaths in California highlight how important it is for pre-teens to receive the Tdap booster," said Dr. Schuchat. "It is important for teens and adults to get a one-time dose of Tdap to protect themselves and those around them from whooping cough. Young infants are most vulnerable to serious complications from pertussis and can be infected by older siblings, parents or other caretakers."

The CDC encourages parents to talk with their child's health care provider to find out when to come in for recommended check-ups. "Completing the three-dose HPV vaccine series is very important to ensure protection against cervical cancer. Visits for immunization can be a great opportunity to address other important preventive issues that all teens need," Dr. Schuchat said.

Although poverty was not a barrier to receiving any of the three adolescent vaccines, financial challenges could prevent some teens from getting vaccinated. Families who need help paying for vaccines should ask their health care provider about the Vaccines for Children program, which provides free vaccines to uninsured children and many others with financial barriers. For help in finding a local health care provider who participates in the program, parents can call 800-CDC-INFO or go to www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

The CDC has conducted the National Immunization Survey-Teen since 2006. It is similar to the standard NIS, which in 1994 began collecting immunization information among children 19 through 35 months old and is a random telephone survey of parents or care-givers, followed by verification of records with health care providers. The NIS-Teen estimates the proportion of teens aged 13 through 17 years who have received the three recommended pre-teen vaccines, as well as three of the recommended childhood vaccines, by the time they are surveyed.

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Kids' Sports Training Injuries on the Rise

2010-08-19T14:33:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Bobby Boyle engages in serious year-round sports training and has had his share of minor muscle injuries. When the 12-year-old athlete felt tightness in the back of his thigh while sprinting at track practice, he and his parents thought he pulled a hamstring and assumed it would heal with limited exercise time.

"We asked Bobby to take it easy for the week and not to go to his track practice. We wrote him a note to skip that but we wanted him to go to soccer practice and just take it easy," says John Boyle, Bobby's father. "So for the first week, he was icing it, he was in the hot tub, he was stretching; but he wasn't getting any better."

After two weeks of pain, frustration and no improvement, Bobby's parents took him to the University of Michigan MedSport clinic, which is one of the only pediatric sports injury programs in the United States. There, he was examined by Laurie Donaldson, M.D., who diagnosed him with a potentially serious growth plate injury to his pelvis and prescribed him six weeks of complete rest.

"That diagnosis was pretty shocking," says Olabisi Boyle, Bobby's mother. "He works out and tries to stay in shape all year long. It was pretty devastating hearing that, mostly because I know how hard he had worked for this season in particular and now he was basically being told the entire season was shot."

Younger age, multiple sports involvement increases risk

Bobby participates in soccer, tennis, track and field, basketball and cross country--often times playing on more than one team in one season. Similarly, 45 million children participate in organized sports each year in the U.S. Many of these children, like Bobby, are engaging in serious sports training and specialization at younger ages, which makes them more susceptible to potentially serious injuries.

Earlier year-round sports specialization is likely contributing to the rise of overuse injuries.

"We're seeing more serious sports injuries at a younger age," says Donaldson, sports medicine specialist at U-M's MedSport. "The concern is they are still skeletally immature with open growth plates that are prone to injury."

The growth plate is the area of developing tissue near the end of a child's bones and is the weakest area of a growing skeleton. Once growth is complete around adolescence, the growth plates become solid bone. An injury that would cause a sprain to a ligament or muscular strain in an adult could cause a serious growth plate injury that could affect physical development in a child.

Donaldson says growth plate injuries are commonly seen at MedSport.

"Growth plate injuries can be very serious, particularly if it's a fracture in one of the long bones because that can affect the growth of the bone," says Donaldson, who is also team physician for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. "If treated improperly, it can either grow too long or not long enough."

Donaldson says there isn't one sport that causes more injuries in kids. Each sport is unique to the type of injury it can produce, depending on the body part most often used. Half of pediatric sports injuries are related to overuse while the other half constitutes ligament sprains, muscle strains and bruises.

Young females are eight times more likely to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament tear in the knee and are susceptible to the female athlete triad, where females have disordered eating, causing menstruation to become irregular or stop altogether and stress fractures from weakened bones.

On the mend

After completing six weeks of rest, Bobby says he's doing a lot better.

"Once I got off my restriction, I started jogging a little, I had some lessons with my soccer coach, I did rehab, I've been doing some exercises and lifting weights," he says. "I'm feeling a lot better and there's no pain so that's good."

Bobby's parents say they've learned a lot about how to continue to encourage his sports participation and protect him from potential injuries in the future.

"While it's great these kids are getting all this activity and getting all the fun and enjoyment and success that they get out of doing well, there's a potential downside if you don't really keep on them to make sure they're training properly," says John Boyle. "I didn't remember anything like this when I was their age and it's quite serious."

Advice for parents

Donaldson says she encourages kids to be active but provides advice for parents in order to protect their children from potentially serious sports injuries:

-- Encourage play and fun rather than competition under the age of six.
-- Discourage year round sport specialization until after puberty, but
rather encourage the "well rounded" athlete. "We know that young
athletes who participate in a variety of sports play sports longer and
have fewer injuries than those who specialize in a single sport before
puberty."
-- Have children rest two or three months out of the year from a specific
sport to participate in cross training.
-- Recommend a day or two of rest a week from organized sports and
training.
-- Make sure they stretch and warm up appropriately to prevent growth
plate injuries from lack of flexibility.
-- Condition ahead of seasons and follow the 10 percent rule--increase
distance or participation by 10 percent a week, particularly if coming
back from an injury.
-- Teach children not to work through the pain of an injury because it
could be a more serious injury than originally assumed.

"With guidance from parents, coaches, trainers, physicians and the sporting community, we can promote safe sports for kids. I believe kids' activity in sports is great for life-long health reasons because it encourages them to be active for the rest of their lives," says Donaldson. "It's good for teaching socialization, teamwork and healthy competition that can lead to success later in life."

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SafetyWeb Launches New, Free Service to Help Find Missing Children

2010-08-17T09:25:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- SafetyWeb (http://www.safetyweb.com/), the groundbreaking online privacy and safety service for parents, announced today the release of SWOT(TM), the SafetyWeb Online Tracking Tool, to assist nationwide law enforcement agencies in finding online traces of missing children. The service is now available for free to any qualifying agency and is already in use nationwide.

SafetyWeb unveiled SWOT(TM) at the Crimes Against Children Conference, which it co-sponsored along with Google, Facebook, and Adobe last week in Dallas. More than 2,000 kids go missing daily in the United States, a statistic that SafetyWeb founders Geoffrey Arone and Michael Clark (both parents) found alarming.

"Michael and I visited The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and realized that SafetyWeb could help law enforcement efforts in locating missing children," said Arone. "SafetyWeb monitors nearly all the social networks and websites, making it much easier for law enforcement to gather clues about missing children in real time. There is nothing else available that is as advanced, comprehensive, and easy-to-use," said Clark.

SafetyWeb changed the online security space with advanced, cloud-based technology to help protect children. SafetyWeb looks at a child's public behavior as well as any public mentions of the child online. Unlike products that require installation or invade the privacy of the children, SafetyWeb runs on the Internet and can be accessed from anywhere, with almost any Internet connected device. SafetyWeb provides parents with easy-to-read weekly reports and 24-hour access to website services for $10/month. SafetyWeb is also available for both the iPhone and Android. To learn more or to get started, visit SafetyWeb.com.

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Top Study Tips For Kids

2010-08-12T09:58:00.000-04:00

(StatePoint) Although your child may be spending hours quietly studying for that big test, it doesn't mean he's getting the most out of his study time.

Help your children study smarter with these tips from Dr. John Stuppy, spokesman for TutorVista, an online tutoring service:

* Schedules: Plan well and prioritize. Study when you're rested and alert.

* Outlines: Summarize lessons learned in class. Review notes rather than the entire lesson.

* Study Groups: Help kids stay motivated while exchanging ideas and knowledge.

* Flash Cards: Reinforce lessons and help with last minute preparation.

* SQ3R: Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. This technique maximizes learning.

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The Top Five Back-to-School Online Safety Questions Every Parent Should Ask

2010-08-11T16:00:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- As the role of technology as teaching aids continues to evolve, do you know how your school uses it in the classroom? What are the policies for Internet use? What about mobile devices? Is your school using a filter, and if so what are the monitoring policies?

With back-to-school time right around the corner, now is the time that parents should ask teachers and administrators about the school's technology policies. But as Internet-enabled devices take on more and more varied forms--pacing the Internet itself--just what questions to ask has itself become a complicated and multi-faceted question.

Here are the top five questions every parent should ask their child's teachers and administrators at the beginning of this school year.

5. What technology does the school provide for the classroom, and how will the teacher use it?

Internet connected devices today range from your standard desktop computer to SmartBoards and iPads. Ask how the technology will be used in the lesson plan, and if you have questions about the educational value of something--like YouTube--ask why it's being included.

4. What are the rules regarding mobile devices at school?

Are children allowed to use a mobile device for calculating and research? Is there a punishment for texting in class? Or, are mobile devices not allowed in the classroom at all? Knowing the answers to these questions can help your child steer clear of trouble.

3. What are the social-networking rules regarding student/teacher interaction?

Many teachers use Facebook and other social networks to connect to students and make themselves available for questions, while others do not allow such connections. Ask your child's teacher what their ground rules are, and make sure any social-networking requirements for your child fall within your comfort level as well.

2. Does your school have a Cyberbullying policy?

Cyberbullying refers to bullying through electronic means, and is an emerging area of concern for educators and parents alike. Ask about your school's policy for dealing with Cyberbullying, and what is expected from both the parents and student when it comes to dealing with Cyberbullying incidents. Many schools have recently implemented harsher penalties for Cyberbullies, including suspension and even expulsion.

1. Does your school filter?

Filtering school networks is becoming more common but is not yet ubiquitous. Find out what measures your school has in place to protect your child from harmful online content and contact while they are at school, and what steps are followed if a student tries to access banned material.

Make sure to review your school's rules with your child so he or she clearly knows what kind of online activity can get them in trouble. Establishing your own Internet usage rules at home helps kids carry that same care into web usage at school. For more information about building a game-plan for home and school Internet rules, visit http://www.internetsafety.com/internet-monitoring-game-plan.php/.

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Helping Kids Deal With Bullies

2010-08-09T09:34:00.000-04:00

(StatePoint) With school bullying a growing issue that is prompting many states to adopt anti-bullying laws, parents need to learn to recognize signs of bullying and how to help their children deal with the problem.

For years, bullying was considered by many to be a normal part of growing up, a "rite of passage." That antiquated thinking is being replaced by more progressive understanding of peer abuse, its causes and consequences.

"Everyone asks me if bullying is any worse today than it was 30 years ago. The cruelty that kids perpetrate is the same but the weapons to achieve it are more sophisticated. With the Internet, Facebook and texting, students can't even escape bullying in their own homes," says survivor turned activist, Jodee Blanco, author of The New York Times bestseller, "Please Stop Laughing at Me..." and its award winning sequel, "Please Stop Laughing at Us."

Blanco, who travels the nation's schools sharing her story, says that when addressing students her message is two-fold: It's not just joking around, bullying damages you for life. And bullying isn't only the mean things you do, but the nice things you never do, like letting someone sit alone at lunch or walk to class alone -- such exclusion often hurts more than overt abuse.

Here are some tips to help children deal with bullying:

* Look for signs your child may be a victim of peer cruelty -- change in appetite, depression, fits of rage, frequent illnesses or faking sick, or spending too much time alone in his or her room.

* Fix the problem, not your kid. It's often what's right about a child that makes him or her a target. Encourage children not to change who they are for anyone, that who they are is wonderful and you're proud of their individuality.

* Don't tell your child to ignore bullies and walk away. Grown up logic doesn't work in teen situations. Tell your child to look the mean kid in the eye, show absolutely no emotion, and simply tell him or her to stop.

* Find an interim social outlet where your child can experience a fresh start with new faces. Contact the nearest park district and public library that do not feed into your school district and ask them to send you lists of their activities for kids, then enroll your child in an activity of choice.

* Be your child's advocate. Reach out to other parents whose children are being bullied and organize a coalition. Go up the ladder until you get results, starting with the school counselor all the way to the school board.

For more advice on preventing and dealing with bullying or to invite Jodee Blanco to speak at your child's school, visit jodeeblanco.com.

As Blanco frequently reminds bullying victims, "Standing up for yourself in the moment abuse occurs is your human right. Seeking vengeance later on is a mistake. So be brave, and speak up."

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Are Georgia's Children Truly Prepared to Start School?

2010-08-05T23:39:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Many children and teens are enjoying the remaining days of their summer vacation, but are they truly prepared for what lies ahead? Don't fret, with a few simple medical exams, Georgia's school-age children will be armed with the tools they need to have a more healthy school year. The exams we are referring to are given in a doctor's and/or dentist's office, and should take place before or shortly after the start of the new school year, and include a routine doctor's exam to confirm that all immunizations are up-to-date, a dental exam and a vision exam.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) is reinforcing the importance of parents talking with their child's pediatrician about the specific examinations their child should receive. This helps ensure that Georgia's youth population receives the care it needs and deserves. "As parents prepare their children and teenagers for the transition back to school, they need to make sure each child gets the recommended immunizations, along with an eye exam and dental cleaning," said Dr. Robert McCormack, Medical Director, BCBSGA.

Vaccinations:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are many recommended vaccines for children and teens, including influenza, which should be given to all school-age children from six months to 18 years. Other immunizations include:

-- The meningococcal vaccine, which is recommended for those who are age
11-12 and at age 13-18 if not previously vaccinated.

-- The tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, which is
recommended for all adolescents age 11-12 who have not received a
tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine (Td) booster dose. Adolescents
between age 13-18 who missed the 11-12 Tdap dose or received Td only
are encouraged to receive one dose of Tdap five years after the last
Td/DtaP dose.

-- The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. All children should receive two
doses of the chickenpox vaccine at age 12-15 months and 4-6 years.
Since the risk for transmission can be high among school-aged children
and teens, those without evidence of immunity should receive two doses
of the chickenpox vaccine and those who received one dose previously
should receive a second dose.

-- The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. All children should
receive two doses of the MMR vaccine. A first dose is recommended at
ages 12-15 months and a second dose at ages 4-6 years. If not
previously vaccinated, children and teens age 7-18 should be
vaccinated.

-- The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is recommended for girls
beginning at ages 11-12 and may be given to boys beginning at ages
11-12 to reduce their likelihood of acquiring genital warts. The HPV
vaccine is a three-dose series administered over a six-month period.

For the 2010-2011 flu season, which begins in the fall of 2010, the seasonal flu vaccine will include protection against the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. All children through age 18 should be immunized. Younger children who have never had a seasonal vaccine will need two doses. Additional information about the flu is available at flu.gov and cdc.gov.

The message seems to be hitting home on some level because according to a StateHealthFacts.org report, 73% of Georgia's children, ages 19 months to 36 months, were immunized in 2008, compared to the national average of 78% percent.

Vision:

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Bright Futures, 3rd Edition, school age children should be evaluated for visual difficulties at their annual visit and formally screened according to the AAP's recommended schedule.

In addition, the American Public Health Association (APHA) recently reported that one-in-four children in kindergarten through sixth grade has a vision problem. Some studies indicate that 80 percent of learning in children occurs visually; therefore, getting regular routine eye exams should be a major part of the back to school preparation. Undiagnosed vision problems can lead to difficulty with schoolwork, resulting in poor performance.

According to the American Optometric Association's (AOA) 2009 American Eye-Q® survey, 60 percent of children identified as "problem learners" actually suffer from undetected vision problems and in some cases have been inaccurately diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

"Having healthy eyes and clear vision can make all the difference in how a child learns and/or performs in class," said McCormack. "Poor vision can result in lower grades and ultimately lower self esteem."

Dental:

Interestingly, many parents do make sure their child is current on their immunizations and vision exams; but, a visit to the dentist is oftentimes an afterthought. However, when children and teens get routine dental exams, many problems or issues can be caught early and possibly corrected.

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggest parents take their child to a pediatric dentist as soon as the first tooth appears, or at least by his or her first birthday. And then start the regular routine of visiting the dentist every six months for a dental exam and cleaning going forward.

According to the CDC, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year nationwide because of dental-related illness, and more than half of children aged five to nine have had at least one cavity or filling, with 78 percent of 17-year-olds having experienced tooth decay.

Anthem provides coverage for most vaccines and exams. However, policyholders should confirm their specific benefits by calling the toll-free number listed on their insurance card.

"We encourage our members to make sure their children start the school year off on the right foot health-wise by getting the recommended immunizations, and having their eyes and teeth examined," said McCormack. "These simple exams are essential for keeping children and teens healthy, letting them focus on other events and activities during the school year."

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Go Green for Back-to-School With the Paper Mate Plant-A-Pen Challenge

2010-08-03T08:17:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Each year, U.S. consumers purchase nearly 12 million writing instruments*. This back-to-school season, Paper Mate®, a global leader in stylish, innovative writing instruments, is encouraging families to choose a greener alternative while also involving them in a fun and easy science experiment they can do in their own backyard.

It's called the Paper Mate Plant-A-Pen Challenge. Here's how it works:
-- Find a spot in the backyard and bury the biodegradable** components of
Paper Mate's new Biodegradable pen or mechanical pencil. Place a
Popsicle stick or reusable garden marker next to the site so you can
easily locate it later.
-- Check on the pen components at various times throughout the year.
Watch the stages in real-time as the components biodegrade back into
the soil or view a time-lapsed video of the entire process on
www.papermate.com.
-- About a year later, revisit the site and dig to see what's left of the
pen components.

"This fun project gives parents a hands-on way to get their children excited about science and helping the environment," said Kanan Banerjee, director of marketing for Paper Mate. "It also empowers kids to make a difference, even when shopping for school supplies."

The new Paper Mate Biodegradable** products are the latest step in Paper Mate's ongoing commitment to the environment. The biodegradable components are made from plant-derived sugar, a renewable resource. Once the biodegradable components are disassembled and placed in soil or home compost, they naturally decompose in about a year, producing less waste and more compost. The products are also packaged in 100 % PVC-free recyclable material.

The Paper Mate Biodegradable** pen comes in black, blue, red or purple ink and retails for about $1.70. The mechanical pencil is available in 0.5mm or 0.7mm lead sizes and retails for about $2.70. Both are available wherever Paper Mate office products are sold. Both products are also featured in a TV ad airing on select NBC stations, including the Today Show, Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live and the Emmy Awards.

GO GREEN THE WRITE WAY

In addition to the new Biodegradable** products, Paper Mate offers a complete line of products made with recycled sources, and recently introduced an innovative new upcycling program to find new ways to repurpose writing instruments. Go green with the Paper Mate® FlexGrip Ultra® Recycled Ball Point Pen, made from 70 % recycled material; Paper Mate® Earth Write® Recycled Pencil, made from 100 % recycled wood; Paper Mate® Write Bros.® Recycled Ball Point Pen, made from 80 % recycled material; and Liquid Paper® DryLine® Grip Recycled Correction Film, made from 67 % recycled material. Paper Mate's upcycling program, created in partnership with TerraCycle(TM), is the world's first program to collect and reuse or recycle pens, markers and other writing instruments while also helping raise funds for non-profit organizations, including schools and charities nationwide. For more information on the program, visit www.papermate.com.

SHARE THE LOVE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Teachers spend hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets on school supplies each year. Paper Mate wants to show teachers some love this back-to-school season with its "I Pick Paper Mate/Share the Love and Make a Difference" campaign***. This exclusive Facebook promotion makes sharing the love easy. Simply visit www.facebook.com/PaperMate and select your level of support:

-- I Love Paper Mate: Collect qualifying Paper Mate UPCs now through
January 14, 2011. Encourage your school, family, coworkers and local
businesses to help. The first 400 eligible participants to register
and send in just 25 qualifying UPCs during the promotion period will
receive $50 in Paper Mate products. The three participants who submit
the most qualifying UPCs during the promotion period will win one of
three prizes - $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 in Paper Mate products for
their favorite school****!
-- I Like Paper Mate: If you "like" Paper Mate on Facebook, Paper Mate
will donate $1 of product to underprivileged kids, up to a maximum
donation of $20,000 in product.
-- I Pick Paper Mate: Upload a picture of you and your favorite Paper
Mate product with a description of why that product is your favorite
and receive a free pen or pencil ($2 retail value) from Paper
Mate*****.

Visit Paper Mate on Facebook and get started today. For complete details on all the Paper Mate earth-conscious products, visit www.papermate.com.

*As reported by WIMA, Writing Instruments Manufacturers Association, 2007.

**The majority of the Paper Mate Biodegradable pen and pencil components biodegrade in soil or home compost in about a year. See disassembly instructions on packaging.

***Official rules for all promotions that are part of this campaign can be found at www.facebook.com/PaperMate. Eligibility is limited to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C. who are 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. All three promotions began 6/28/10. The "I Love" and "You Like" promotions end on 1/14/11 and the "I Pick" promotion ends on 9/30/10.

****Must be an accredited school (excludes home schools).
*****Until allocated supply of 60,000 pens/pencils is exhausted.

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Tips For Kids Going Off To College

2010-07-29T10:55:00.000-04:00

(StatePoint) For many college-bound teens, preparing for the start of the semester can be chaotic. Buying textbooks and necessities, socializing and staying healthy at college can be stressful for many students.

And unfortunately, there's no manual. But here are some helpful tips for kids heading off to college:

* Buy Used Books When Possible: The average student spends $700 on textbooks yearly, but used books from the college bookstore can save you 25 percent. Plus, it's easier to return books to the campus store than to another retailer or Web site. This comes in handy should you drop a class.

"College stores strive to provide as many used textbooks as possible and to make course materials as affordable as possible, but they often sell out quickly," says Charles Schmidt, spokesman for the National Association of College Stores. "Shop the store early or buy directly from its Web site to take advantage of your college's book sales."

* Consider Renting Books or Electronic Texts: More college stores are offering these options, and rentals can give students temporary access to course materials for about one-third to half the price of buying new texts.

* Connect Online: Thanks to sites like Facebook and Twitter, college-bound students can now meet roommates before orientation and figure out who's bringing what for their dorm room.

Students also may be able to virtually meet professors and upperclassman by connecting to the college's social networking sites. Many college bookstores maintain their own Facebook page or Twitter feed, so check them out for money-saving deals.

* Eat Well, Stay Healthy: For many college freshmen, the first time away from home means ice cream before dinner. While, there's no crime in that, a balanced meal helps keep off the dreaded "Freshman 15." Intramural sports also are great for staying fit while socializing.

* Buy Local and Make Friends: While it's tempting to buy books, dorm supplies and electronics from the Internet, this can prove more expensive (especially when you add shipping). Buying locally usually is cheaper and can help new students become acquainted with their new home. In fact, college stores nationwide employ approximately 30,000 students, making them great places to meet peers or get advice from upperclassmen who know the professors.

You also can be sure you're getting all needed course materials in one place and are taking advantage of local discounts.

* Get What's Coming to You: Students should keep receipts and be aware of tax credits they can get for academic-related expenses.

"Textbooks, as well as tuition and fees not covered by scholarships or grants, can be claimed as a tax credit of up to $2,500 on that year's tax return under the American Opportunity Tax Credit," says Schmidt.

For details on applying for the tax credit, visit textbookaid.org.

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Atlanta Families Get Up and Get Playing at Wii Games: Summer 2010 Competition

2010-07-26T11:10:00.000-04:00

Six Flags Over Georgia
275 Riverside Parkway
Austell, GA 30168

Fridays through Aug. 13: noon-4 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 15: noon-8 p.m.

Nintendo is hosting a series of special interactive events at Six Flags Over Georgia as part of “Wii Games: Summer 2010,” the first-ever nationwide Wii™ video game tournament. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 15, people of all ages are invited to get off the couch and on their feet for a chance to win great prizes while having fun playing Nintendo’s motion-control video games.

Similar Wii Games: Summer 2010 events are being held throughout the summer at select shopping malls and other Six Flags theme parks across the country. Qualifying winners will win a trip to Los Angeles to compete in the Wii Games: Summer 2010 national championship in September. Full details, rules and regulations can be found at http://www.wiigames2010.com.

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Put your cell phone away and keep your hands on the wheel

2010-07-23T06:41:00.000-04:00

(ARA) - It's the new drinking and driving -- and for good reason. As Americans become more addicted to their cell phones, BlackBerry devices and other PDAs, lawmakers throughout the nation are taking action in the wake of a disturbing national trend linking cell phone use with car crashes.

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) reports the use of cell phones and other mobile devices now accounts for 25 percent of all police-reported traffic crashes. Research shows that driving while talking, texting or e-mailing with a cell phone or PDA can pose a serious distraction and interfere with driving a motor vehicle.

As a result of the growing number of cell phone-related car accidents, more states are pushing for legislation to ban cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle, according to FindLaw.com, the Internet's leading Web site for legal information. States that have banned the handheld use of cell phones by drivers include California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah and Washington as well as the District of Columbia.

The facts are especially alarming for teenagers, for whom driving-related incidents are the leading cause of death. According to an NHTSA report, more than 50 percent of teens admit to talking or texting on a cell phone while driving. At least 20 states, including Texas, currently ban any kind of cell phone use by teenage drivers, says FindLaw.com.

Because of the alarming trend linking cell phone use and driving, the National Safety Council has gone even further by calling for a complete ban on the use of all cell phones, including "hands-free" devices, for drivers nationwide.

Any activity a driver engages in while driving has the potential to distract the motorist from the primary task of operating the vehicle. A distraction is defined by any event or action that takes your eyes off the road (visual), mind off the road (cognitive), or takes your hands off the steering wheel (manual). Some research findings compare cell phone use to other activities such as passenger conversations or changing a CD while driving.

For example, studies have shown that cell phone use compared to carrying on a conversation with a passenger can be equally risky, while other studies show cell phone use to be more risky. The difference between the two is a passenger can monitor the driving situation along with the driver and pause for, or alert the driver to, potential hazards, whereas a person on the other end of the phone line is unaware of the roadway situation.

But what if a driver encounters an emergency situation or witnesses another driver's erratic driving? As a general rule, if you are in your car and witness a car accident or another emergency, pull your vehicle over to a safe location and call 911.

However, in emergency situations drivers must use their judgment regarding the urgency of the situation and the necessity to use a cell phone while driving. The key here is to avoid creating another emergency because you're using your cell phone.

In addition to using a cell phone, there are many other distractions that can increase the risk of losing control of your vehicle, according to FindLaw.com. Some activities that appear to be "hands free," such as looking at a GPS map screen, can be just as distracting as navigating a car while eating a hamburger. According to a study by the NHTSA and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near crashes involve some form of driver distraction.

The study further concluded that the typical distraction occurred within three seconds before the vehicle crash. The bottom line is that drivers who engage more frequently in distracted driving are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident or near crash. Some common distractions that should be avoided include:

* Eating while driving, including unwrapping food products.
* Changing a CD or adjusting the radio.
* Applying make-up.
* Settling a dispute between children.
* Controlling a loose pet.
* Reading a print map or watching a GPS map screen while driving.
* Looking at an object or event outside of your car, like another accident.

It is also important to keep in mind that some activities are carried out more frequently and for longer periods of time and may result in greater risk. The primary responsibility of the driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely. The task of driving requires full attention and focus. Cell phone use can distract drivers from this task, risking harm to themselves and others. Therefore, the safest course of action is to refrain from using a cell phone while driving.

To learn more about cell phone use and driving laws, visit www.findlaw.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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It's Time For Those Back-To-School Vaccinations

2010-07-22T09:28:00.000-04:00

(StatePoint) As the school year begins, pediatricians' offices swell with children and conscientious parents making sure their kids get back-to-school vaccinations.

Getting your children vaccinated and making sure their shots are up-to-date will protect them for a lifetime, urge medical experts.

"Vaccinations are important public health measures that prevent the spread of deadly infectious diseases like meningitis, measles, and polio," says Judith S. Palfrey, MD, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). "Studies show modern vaccines are safe and effective."

This year alone, vaccines will prevent 33,000 deaths and 14 million infections.

In fact, viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like whooping cough, chickenpox and meningitis still exist in this country, and travelers can easily bring other diseases here. Without vaccinations, infections like measles could quickly spread, causing a nationwide outbreak.

Several states currently are experiencing an epidemic of whooping cough, a disease particularly dangerous for infants, and several children have died. And certain parts of the world have seen a resurgence of polio, which could infect unimmunized children who come into contact with travelers from those areas.

"Unimmunized children are at risk of getting sick and dying of preventable illnesses," Palfrey says. "For example, before the 1980s, there were about 20,000 cases a year of Hib disease, a leading cause of bacterial meningitis, which can be fatal. Now that we have a Hib vaccine, the number of cases a year in the United States has dropped to fewer than 100. However, the bacteria that causes Hib disease still exists, which is why children need the vaccine."

The best way to protect children from these diseases is by following the recommended immunization schedule, say the experts at the AAP. The immunization schedule is designed to work best with a child's immune system -- at certain ages and at specific times, when he or she is most vulnerable to serious complications from an infection. If a vaccine requires a second or third dose, they need to be given within a certain time frame or the vaccine will not fully protect your child.

And while most infections are far more harmful to infants, adolescents and adults need to make sure their records are up-to-date, as well. When an entire community is vaccinated, it protects those who are most vulnerable, including people with weakened immune systems and children who are too young to be vaccinated.

For example, infants are not fully protected against whooping cough (pertussis) until their third dose of vaccine at 6 months of age. That's why it's important that parents, older siblings and other family members get the vaccine to provide a "cocoon" of protection around the new baby.

The AAP also recommends every child between 6 months and 18 years gets an annual flu vaccine.

For more information about immunizations and what vaccines your child might need, see your pediatrician, or visit HealthyChildren.org.

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Unique And Affordable School Supplies Under $10

2010-07-15T12:53:00.000-04:00

(StatePoint) Getting the supplies kids need for school, particularly ones they think are cool, can seriously strain your budget. And once they get those supplies into the classroom, it's easy for kids to misplace them or bring home the wrong ones since so many notebooks and folders look alike.

That's why personalized school supplies that can be purchased for less than $10 are gaining popularity with both parents and children. Each item is unique, appealing to kids' burgeoning sense of independence and reflecting each child's sense of style.

"This season, customized stationery products created with digital photos are extremely popular and can be easily made for under $10," says Rick Bellamy, CEO of RPI, which handles the manufacturing and fulfillment for consumer print-on-demand products for many leading photo sharing Web sites and retail stores.

There are many options available for these unique and affordable supplies:

* Personalize Notebooks: Create one-of-a-kind notebooks and notepads for students by putting a favorite photo on the cover. It can be a picture of anything -- a family vacation snapshot or a photo of a favorite pet. And who knows? Your kids just might be more inspired to look inside the books if they like the covers.

You can create personalized notebooks at online sites such as Snapfish by HP (snapfish.com) or at stores like Walgreens.com, which offer notebooks and notepads for $5.99 to $9.99 that can be filled with lined, blank or day planner pages.

* Customize Calendars: If your kids aren't day planner types, get them customized academic calendars with photos of friends or favorite sports and activities. As an added bonus, you can pre-mark dates for birthdays and other significant events to make sure they don't forget. Customized academic and wall calendars are available at Costco (costcophotocenter.com) for $9.99.

* Stick It: Kids who are having trouble transitioning to school might enjoy sticking photos of themselves or their friends on their belongings. This is an appealing alternative to writing your child's name in permanent marker on everything from lunch containers to backpacks. Photo stickers are available in sheets of 20 at such stores as Walmart Photo Center or Walgreens.com for only $2.99.

* Customized Locker Decor: Encourage self-expression by making a photo poster for your child's room or locker, available at Walmart Photo Center starting at $7.00. For college-bound teens, large posters make great dorm room decor and give them a taste of home while they're away at school.

Of course, customized photo products aren't limited to kid-oriented items. You might want to consider turning those first-day-of-school photos into a photo book for grandparents who miss their summer babysitting duties. School can be hard on them, too!

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Tips to get a leg up on back-to-school shoe shopping

2010-07-14T08:43:00.000-04:00

(ARA) - She lived in sandals all summer long and he barely took his cleats off, even to go to bed. Summer fun and casual style may leave your kids facing back-to-school season in serious need of some new shoes.

"Notebooks, pens and new clothes aren't the only fresh supplies children need when heading back to school. Quality shoes that provide the support growing feet need are among the most important purchases on any back-to-school shopping list," says Dr. Kathleen Stone, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

While your kids will certainly have something to say about the style of shoes they want, back-to-school shoe shopping isn't child's play. Parents should consider several important factors before buying new shoes for their children, the APMA advises.

* Take your child shoe shopping with you, rather than buying something without your child present. Every shoe fits differently and buying something in your child's size doesn't necessarily ensure a proper, comfortable fit. Measure your child's feet (both of them, since feet are rarely exactly the same size) and have her try the shoes on. Plus, letting a child have a say in the shoe-buying process can help ensure she adopts healthy foot habits later in life. Children's foot health is as important as adult foot health.

* Feet swell later in the day, so it's best to try on shoes later in the day when feet are their largest.

* When evaluating a shoe, look for a stiff heel. Press on both sides of the heel counter to measure for stiffness; it shouldn't collapse. The shoe should bend with your child's toes. It shouldn't be too stiff or bend too much in the toe box area. It should also be rigid, and should never twist in the middle.

* Don't rely on last year's shoes. Children's feet grow like the rest of their bodies. Shoe and sock sizes may change every few months as their feet grow. Even if last season's shoes are in good condition, they likely won't fit properly after several months of your child's feet growing.

* Never hand down footwear. A used shoe may be the right size for your child, but still might not fit comfortably, especially if it's seen a lot of wear and tear. Just because the shoe fit one child comfortably, doesn't mean it will fit another the same way. Also, sharing shoes can spread foot fungi like athlete's foot and nail fungus.

* Buy for the larger foot. Mismatched feet are more common than not. Measure your child's feet to see which is larger and select shoes that best fit the larger foot.

* Choose shoes that are comfortable right away. Avoid shoes that need a "break-in" period. And be sure your child tries shoes on while wearing the type of socks he'll be wearing with the shoes on a regular basis.

"Healthy feet and comfortable shoes play important roles in children's overall health," Stone says. "Parents should monitor their children's foot health and seek the advice of a podiatrist if they notice a problem. Podiatrists are specially trained to diagnose and treat ailments of the foot and ankles in people of all ages." You can find a podiatrist at the APMA's website, www.APMA.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Manual removal key to getting rid of head lice

2010-06-25T07:29:00.000-04:00

Head lice make children scratch their heads. Getting rid of them can make parents want to pull their hair out.

"Head lice are common among all classes of people,” said Paul Guillebeau, an entomologist with University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. "They know no socioeconomic or ethnic boundaries. And, having them doesn’t imply a lack of cleanliness.”

Martin Parker’s son Matthew was sent home twice this year because of head lice. Most schools, like Matthew’s DeKalb County, Ga., elementary school, have a “no nit policy.” This means a student cannot return to school until he is nit-free.

Nitty-gritty

Nits are grayish-white to brown eggs the female head louse lays on hair shafts. To make matters worse, nits are resistant to pesticides and are difficult to remove without a nit-removing comb.

Each time his son gets head lice, Parker strips the bedding from all his beds and thoroughly cleans his home with Lysol. He also covers the mattresses with plastic and sets them outside for a few days.

Guillebeau says Parker’s house may be cleaner, but his efforts didn’t do much to remove the lice from Matthew’s head. Other parents panic and misuse pesticides or resort to unapproved treatments, like kerosene, he said.

"Head lice are not an emergency," he said. "They don't pose any health risks. But misusing pesticides or spraying pesticides unnecessarily does put your child and your family at risk."

No pesticides

Guillebeau urges parents never to treat homes, cars, furniture, beds, pillows or clothing with pesticides in an attempt to control head lice.

Knowing a little head lice biology can help parents not overreact. Head lice can't live off a human host for more than 24 hours. They can't reproduce in carpets, bedding or other home furnishings. And they can't live on pets or stuffed toys.

To kill head lice on bedding and clothes, wash and dry them as usual. Wash brushes, combs and hair accessories with hot, soapy water. For peace of mind, place stuffed animals in a sealed plastic bag for three to four days.

Manual removal is the best method for removing head lice from a person, Guillebeau said.
“If you use a lice shampoo, be sure to follow the label instructions exactly,” he said. “Misuse can be ineffective and dangerous.”

Step-by-step removal

To manually remove head lice, follow these steps:

1. Work in a well-lit area.
2. Brush hair to remove tangles. Use a hair detangler spray or hair conditioner to help.
3. Divide the hair into sections and fasten off hair that is not being worked on.
4. Use a lice comb to detect and remove adult lice and nits. (Lice combs are available in most pharmacies.)
5. Comb the hair section from scalp to end. Nits are usually found close to the scalp.
6. Dip the comb in hot, soapy water or use tape to remove lice, nits and debris.
7. Sift through the hair section and look for attached nits and live lice.
8. Move to the next section of hair and repeat steps 4 – 7.
9. Continue process until the entire scalp and all hair have been checked.
10. Screen the infested person every day for 10 days and regularly thereafter to make sure lice and nits have been removed.

Back in Atlanta, Parker has the local barber shave off Matthew’s curly locks. He then puts olive oil in his hair and makes his son wear a shower cap for an hour. He then uses the lice comb.

“The nit comb was the lifesaver,” said Parker. “I had him sit in my lap, I put on my reading glasses and combed and combed to get them out.”

By Sharon Dowdy
University of Georgia

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Cell phone usage at school not all bad, must be monitored

2010-06-23T07:28:00.000-04:00

Less than 20 years ago, cell phones were considered luxury items used only in emergencies. Today, 4.1 billion people worldwide own cell phones. Most families have at least one, and often multiple, cell phones. Children often are the heaviest users of the technology.

“About 75 percent of 4-H-age children have cells phones,” said Arch Smith, interim state leader of the Georgia 4-H program. “And they aren’t using them just to talk to their friends and family members.”
Ninety percent use their phones to send text messages, 85 percent to take photographs, 68 percent to send photographs and 55 percent to record videos, he said.

“They make 230 calls per month or eight calls per day, on average,” Smith said. “That’s nothing compared to the 1,742 text messages the average teenager types in a month.”

Set boundaries

Even though cell phones have become a part of everyday life, parents should set boundaries for their use both at school and at home, says Diane Bales, a human development specialist with University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.

“The biggest problem with cell phones is the number of students who are addicted to them,” she said. “They spend all of their time texting and not enough time listening.”

Bales has seen the overuse of cell phones first hand in the college classes she teaches at UGA.
“When a student texts in class, he’s not listening,” Bales said. “If he were texting about what he’s learning that would be different, but he’s probably not.”

Many schools have rules about cell phone usage including setting limits on when the phones can be used, where the phones can be used and, in some cases, banning their use on school grounds entirely.
“Cell phones aren’t inherently bad, kids just need guidance from teachers and parents on appropriate usage,” she said. “Texting at the dinner table is not an appropriate use.”

Bales once observed a student texting on her cell phone while standing at the front of the classroom during a group presentation.

“I have it spelled out in my syllabus that it’s inappropriate to text in class and that students will lose points for doing so,” she said.

Multi-tool

According to a survey by Common Sense Media, more than one out of three teenagers admits to using a cell phone to cheat at least once. They also admit to using their phone’s internet access to find answers to test questions. The survey also showed that one out of four teenagers feel accessing notes stored on a cell phone during a test isn’t cheating.

“Some of the newer phones have cameras that students could use to take photo of their classmates’ test papers,” Bales said.

Bales suggests teachers encourage students to use their cell phones, and other technical devices, to help them with their school work.

“If a student has an iPhone, first I’m jealous, but he could use it to work on a research project,” she said. “The technology allows him to look something up on the Internet, find a good source of information and never leave the classroom or his desk.”

Bales says teachers and parents should guide students to appropriate resource websites to ensure they use reliable sources of information.

In this way, modern technology is being used to benefit the student and spark his interest in new media, she said.

According to a survey by the Family Education Network, 85 percent of respondents feel cell phones should be allowed at school, but their usage should be controlled by school administrators.

Whether a cell phone is being used at school or at home, Bales recommends having a definite list of rules and consequences for breaking the rules.

Students should have a cell phone-use curfew and cell phone-free times, such as during homework hours, she said.

“Teenagers have a hard time recognizing limits,” she said. “They need to be told what is appropriate and what isn’t in all aspects of their lives. Cell phone usage is just one area.”

By Sharon Dowdy
University of Georgia
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Bring back the summer memories and share them with your kids

2010-06-22T09:30:00.000-04:00

(ARA) - Remember the summer days when you held a camping adventure under the stars in your own backyard, played board games with your parents or enjoyed an ice cream bar on a hot night? Do you remember learning to ride a bike through the neighborhood, waving to everyone sitting out on the front porch or working on their landscaping?

Now that you have children of your own, summer is a great opportunity to repeat those memories and share them with your kids. Here are some ideas to bring back the memories:

Camp in the backyard
Remember making s'mores and chasing fireflies while camping in your backyard? Recruit help from your kids to set up the campsite and then spend the afternoon playing games, looking at the clouds and talking about bugs. After grilling out and roasting marshmallows over a fire pit, make the experience an educational one and teach your children about the planets and stars they'll be sleeping under.

Decorate the sidewalk
Who hasn't drawn oversized pictures on the sidewalks and driveway? Bring the kids outside for a day of fun and creativity - decorating the sidewalk with chalk drawings is a creative outlet for young artists. Trace the outlines of your kids' bodies and teach them about different body parts. And there's easy clean-up - either wait for rain from Mother Nature or wash away the art with a hose for a clean canvas.

Cool off with an ice cream treat
For 90 years, the familiar jingle of the Good Humor ice cream truck has brought smiles to many children in neighborhoods across America. And for adults, the ice cream man brings back special happy memories from their own childhoods. Memories of when they played hard all day and their moms let them visit the truck when dinner was finished. Parents can treat their families to classic nostalgic frozen treats all summer when they see (or hear) the ice cream truck coming down the street. It's the perfect opportunity for parents to share with their kids stories from when they were young.

This summer, that specially marked 4 oz. single-serve Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Eclair, Toasted Almond or Candy Center Crunch bar could win you $10,000 - or one of 10,000 instant-win prizes. Check the stick to see if your ice cream bar is an "instant winner" or, for free instant-win game play, mail a 3x5 paper with your name, date of birth and full address to Good Humor. Log on to www.GoodHumor.com to redeem prizes, enter to win the $10,000 cash sweepstakes and review the full sweepstakes rules.

Announce a family games tournament
The games of your childhood can entertain your children for hours - especially if they haven't played them before. Organize various competitions and races, such as an egg-carrying race, an obstacle course and a soccer ball dribbling contest. Fashion a challenge to see who can create the most delicious or craziest ice cream sundae. Bring all the fixings to the patio, and if there's a mess, turn on the sprinkler for a fun way to clean up sticky hands and faces.

Create a backyard adventure
Bring back the homemade stage by having your children bring their favorite books to life. Don't forget to share the stories you loved when you were a child - they might become favorites of your children. If there's a sandbox, dress as pirates and have a buried treasure hunt. For mystery fans, set up a scavenger hunt with clues hidden around the house and yard. And for young playwrights, the backyard area provides the perfect stage to decorate, dress up and play out a scene.

About the sweepstakes
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The 10,000 Winners Sweet-Stakes is sponsored by Conopco, Inc. doing business as Unilever. Open to legal residents of 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., ages 13 and older (for Maine residents, 18 and older). For free game play, send a 3 inch by 5 inch paper with name, date of birth and full address to: Good Humor Request, P.O. Box 7999, Melville, NY 11775-7999, by Sept. 14. The contest ends at 11:59:59 p.m. pacific time on Sept. 6. For official rules, visit www.GoodHumor.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Conservation Quest at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta

2010-06-21T13:26:00.000-04:00

July 3 – September 12, 2010

Go green – join the quest! Children will be on a mission to discover the many ways they can save energy and protect the planet. They will learn about what energy is, where it comes from, and the countless ways that they can conserve energy every day. Children will be inspired to become environmental stewards during Conservation Quest at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta from July 3 through September 12, 2010.

“Conservation Quest will help children realize that they can do something every day that will reduce their energy use and help preserve the environment,” said Jane Turner, Museum executive director. “Children can continue the quest to be green at home by practicing conservation as a family.”

Hands-On Exploration Helps Children Learn about Saving Energy

Home: Explore energy uses and choices from electricity, heating, and lighting to transportation, waste, and recycling.
Energy Smarts – Computer interactive helps children make green energy choices with electricity, appliances, heating and cooling, recycling, transportation, and more
How Do You Stack Up? – Stack blocks to represent the amount of electricity various appliances use and learn how to reduce electricity use
Watt’s the Use? – Use watt meters to compare electricity use by different electronics and appliances
Bright Ideas – Turn a crank to compare the amount of energy required to light up an incandescent light bulb, a CFL, and a LED
Switch and Save – Explore good, better, and best choices when it comes to water, food, batteries, and shopping bags
Sort the Waste – Sort items into their proper containers: Plastics, Glass, Paper, Metals, Garbage, Compost, Donations, and Other

Park: Investigate where food comes from, the environmental benefits of plants, and how far food travels to get to us.
Food Miles – Find out how far food travels to get to us and that transporting food uses energy and can pollute the planet
Food Is Fuel – Learn that food is energy for people
Murals – Seek and find positive examples of energy use and conservation

School: Discover where energy comes from, learn why it’s limited, and investigate renewable sources.
Energy Report – Learn what energy is, where it comes from, and which sources are limited
Clean Energy – Explore how water, wind, and solar energy are used to generate electricity
Connect It! – Create a circuit to power up LED lights, fans, and alarms
Energy Posters – Energy posters define energy, from what it is and what types exist to renewable sources of electricity
Green Favorites – Check out an interesting collection of innovative energy-saving inventions
Map of the World – Investigate energy production and consumption around the world
Book Nook – Enjoy reading children’s books about energy and conservation

“The exhibit’s activity stations, combined with the Museum’s programming, will provide a rich learning experience that will make children excited about finding their own ways to conserve energy at home,” said Karen Kelly, Museum director of exhibits and education.

Conquer the Energy Vampire in Mini-Musical “Operation Green!”

Going green will become more entertaining than ever with our interactive programming led by the Imaginators, our troupe of professional actors and educators. The Imaginators will also perform an original mini-musical titled “Operation Green!” Jamie’s family uses so much energy that they’ve created an Energy Vampire. Children become Junior Agents and help Agent Green reduce the power of the Energy Vampire by switching out light blubs, recycling trash, and exploring renewable energy sources. Children learn that everyone has to do their part to use less energy and keep our planet green. Playwright: Marc Farley, Imaginator. Director: DeWayne Morgan, Imaginator. Musical Director: Jerry G. White, Imaginator. Music by: Abe White. Families will also enjoy other special programming such as Recycle Relay and Go Green and Read story time.

The Environment in Mind with a Green Design

Conservation Quest was designed and produced using environmentally friendly materials and practices. Green design signs call out sustainable features throughout the exhibit.
Eco-friendly graphics (banners, board, wallpaper, canvas, and aluminum)
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood and water-based stains and sealants
Fiber drums for cabinetry
Eco-resin used instead of plexiglass
No plastic laminates
Marmoleum
ENERGY STAR® electronics

Exhibit Information and Sponsors

Conservation Quest was developed by Stepping Stones Museum for Children. Conservation Quest is presented locally in Atlanta by GE Energy with additional support from Georgia Power, The Coca-Cola Company, The Kendeda Fund, The Forrest and Frances Lattner Foundation, and Publix Super Markets Charities. Media sponsorship from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Brochure design and printing courtesy of Primerica.

Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta

Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta is a smart place to play and a non-profit organization offering a family-friendly space filled with interactive, educational exhibits and programming for children ages eight and under. The Museum’s mission is to spark imagination and inspire discovery and learning for all children through the power of play. The Museum’s four permanent learning zones consist of bright, creative, hands-on exhibits that are designed to give children an opportunity to learn through play. Imagine It! also offers parties, memberships, summer camp, field trips, and facility rentals. Museum hours: Monday through Friday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Admission is $12.50 plus tax for adults and children ages 2 and above; children under 2 are free. Imagine It! is located at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW. The Museum is closed for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For more information or to support Imagine It!, visit their website at www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org or call 404.659.KIDS [5437]. Connect with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/imagineitcma and Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImagineItCMA.

Major funding for Imagine It! is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council.

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July at Imagine It!

Opening of Conservation QuestSM Exhibit and All-American Fourth of July Celebration for Children

Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta offers children unique, hands-on learning opportunities and sparks imagination through the power of play. Below is a schedule of feature exhibit information and special programming taking place at Imagine It! in July.

Feature Exhibit

Conservation Quest
July 3 – September 12, 2010

Go green – join the quest! Join the quest to learn about energy and conservation. In this exhibit, children explore science concepts and learn about water, wind, and solar energy at interactive stations while finding new ways to save with light bulbs, electricity, and recycling. See how much electricity your family uses and connect circuits to power up lights, radios, and fans. Through a computer interactive, discover the greener choice when it comes to energy.

Conservation Quest was developed by Stepping Stones Museum for Children. Conservation Quest is presented locally in Atlanta by GE Energy with additional support from Georgia Power, The Coca-Cola Company, The Kendeda Fund, The Forrest and Frances Lattner Foundation, and Publix Super Markets Charities. Major funding for Imagine It! is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council. Media sponsorship from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Brochure design and printing courtesy of Primerica.

Operation Green!

Mondays-Fridays at 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM; Saturdays at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM;
Sundays at 12:00 PM

In this original 20-minute mini-musical, Jamie’s family uses so much energy that they’ve created an Energy Vampire. Children become Junior Agents and help Agent Green reduce the power of the Energy Vampire by switching out light blubs, recycling trash, and exploring renewable energy sources. Children learn that everyone has to do their part to use less energy and keep our planet green. Playwright: Marc Farley, Imaginator. Director: DeWayne Morgan, Imaginator. Musical Director: Jerry G. White, Imaginator. Music by: Abe White.

Recycle Relay

Tuesdays-Saturdays at 2:00 PM

Children will join the Imaginators and race to the finish line to see who can sort and recycle everything in their trash bin the fastest!

Go Green and Read

Tuesdays-Fridays at 3:00 PM; Saturdays at 4:00 PM

Join the Imaginators for a reading of “Michael Recycle” by Ellie Bethel. Children learn about the adventures of a young superhero whose power allows him to teach people about recycling.

Laugh and Learn: Energy Games

Mondays-Saturdays at 10:30 AM

Meet Recycle Rick, Conservation Carl, and Mr. Eco as you learn about conserving energy by playing Recycle Relay, Wheel of Misfortune, and In or Out and On or Off.

Special Events

Under the Big Top Circus Programming

June 9, 2010 – July 2, 2010 (except on June 19 – Cow Moo-ving In Celebration)

Run away to the Circus with the Imaginators as they perform circus stunts with you in the center ring! Prepare to be awed as you learn how to juggle and be dazzled as you hear the magical tales of the circus. Check the Museum website for hourly programming schedule at http://www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org/visitors/calendar.

Under the Big Top – It’s Circus Time!
Thursday & Friday, July 1 & 2 at 11:30 AM

Run away to the Circus with the Imaginators as they perform circus stunts with you in the center ring! Do you want to be a lion, monkey, elephant or a clown? They’ll teach you how to juggle and walk the tightrope. There will be a magician with a rabbit in his hat, stilt walking, parades, fun make and takes, songs, games and stories galore!!

Special Events

All-American Fourth of July Celebration for Children
Sunday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day with some all-American family-style fun!

Grand Ole’ Flag
Sunday, July 4 at 2:00 PM

Learn all about the stars and stripes and what makes our flag such a special symbol of freedom. Then, kids can make their own flag and join in a marching parade around the Museum!

Batter Up!
Sunday, July 4 at 3:00 PM

Enjoy America’s favorite pastime as the Imaginators act out the famous poem “Casey at the Bat” with YOU on home plate! Gather around the baseball diamond and enjoy this classic story of a beloved baseball player who steps up to bat for his team to try and save the day.

Ongoing Events

Eat a Georgia Rainbow
Every Sunday at 11:00 AM

Join the Imaginators in Fundamentally Food as you search for fruits and vegetables that are in season and grown in Georgia. Then, listen to a story and make a tasty take-home treat!

Target Free Second Tuesdays

Second Tuesday of Every Month – January through December 2010 (July 13 from 1:00 PM-8:00 PM)
Special Summer Target Free Second Tuesday Hours (Jun-Jul) 1:00 PM-8:00 PM
Regular Target Free Second Tuesday Hours (Jan-May & Aug-Dec) 1:00 PM-7:00 PM

Through a sponsorship by Target, admission is free for all visitors who come during these special hours. Free tickets will be available at the Museum starting at 1:00 PM during each Target Free Second Tuesday, and the Museum will close at 7:00 PM (or 8:00 PM in June & July). The free tickets are issued on a first come first served basis as Museum capacity permits. Once the Museum reaches capacity, tickets are only issued as capacity in the Museum becomes available. Reservations are not accepted. http://www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org/visitors/target_tuesday_faqs

Read It!

Every Sunday at 3:00 PM (Special Read It! Programs: Fourth of July on July 4)

Children are encouraged to delve into the world of books during Read It! This half-hour story time, sponsored by McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP, is devoted to fostering literacy and encouraging young children to embrace the magic of books. Children join a special guest or an Imaginator as a colorful, creative storyteller extraordinaire who arrives with an armful of stories.

Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta is a smart place to play and a non-profit organization offering a family-friendly space filled with interactive, educational exhibits and programming for children ages eight and under. The Museum’s mission is to spark imagination and inspire discovery and learning for all children through the power of play. The Museum’s four permanent learning zones consist of bright, creative, hands-on exhibits that are designed to give children an opportunity to learn through play. Imagine It! also offers parties, memberships, field trips, and facility rentals. Museum hours: Monday through Friday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Admission is $12.50 plus tax for adults and children ages 2 and above; children under 2 are free. Imagine It! is located at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW. The Museum is closed for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For more information or to support Imagine It!, visit their website at www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org or call 404.659.KIDS [5437].

Major funding for Imagine It! is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council.
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1 in 7 Kids Is Solicited for Sex Online

2010-06-21T10:31:00.000-04:00

USNewswire -- Two new items are now available for kids between the ages of 8 and 12 that are not only fun but also teach them how to stay safe while on the Internet. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) and Sprint (NYSE:S) announced today that in honor of Internet Safety Month the popular child-focused Internet safety website www.NSTeens.org has been expanded to include a new animated video and educational game created for the "in-between" tween audience of 8 to 12 year olds. The new video "Mike-tosis," is already on the site and demonstrates how quickly information spreads through the Internet, on mobile phones, and other technology that is widely used today. In addition, a new online game "Cyberbully Zombies Attack," will be released June 30 and allows players to use Internet safety tips, trusted adults, and technology as tools to stop cyberbullying zombies from reaching their school.

The statistics are alarming: 1 in 7 kids is solicited for sex online; 1 in 33 kids receives aggressive online solicitations to meet in person; 1 in 3 kids receives unsolicited sexual content online; and 34% of kids online indicate they communicate with people they don't know.

"Today children have more access to the Internet that ever before in history. The majority of all households today have at least one computer and we know that most teens access the Internet from multiple locations," said Ernie Allen, president and CEO of NCMEC. "Kids already know that the Internet is a wonderful resource. They also need to understand the potential risks and the simple things that they can do that will help them stay safe. That is why NSTeens was created. It is designed for tweens but also can serve as an educational resource for parents and teachers. We are grateful to Sprint for their continuing commitment to help keep children safe while online."

As a part of Internet Safety Month, Sprint and NCMEC have also partnered again and have scheduled an online chat about Internet safety at 1:00 PM EDT on Tuesday, June 29. Nancy McBride, National Safety Director for NCMEC will be available to answer questions about online safety. The live chat can be accessed at http://community.sprint.com/. Questions can be submitted during the hour-long chat or can be submitted beforehand at http://community.sprint.com/. No advance registration is required for this event.

"There is perhaps nothing more important than protecting our nation's children," said Debby Ballard, Director of Community Affairs for Sprint. "The Internet provides many opportunities for fun and learning, but can also be the source of many potential dangers. As such, it's crucial for businesses, non-profit organizations, communities and schools to partner together to make sure our young people are safe online. We are pleased to work with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to expand the online-safety tools available for children, parents and educators in the effort to keep children safe."

NSTeens.org's animated videos feature a multi-ethnic cast of comic-book-style characters and are accompanied by real teens talking about their online experiences. "Mike-tosis" and all other NSTeens videos include activity cards to help teachers build the videos into their lesson plans and open a dialogue with their students. The new video and game, as well as all of the content on www.NSTeens.org, is available in English and Spanish.

NCMEC created the popular website www.NSTeens.org in 2007 in partnership with Sprint with the objective of providing a resource for the often overlooked "tweens" who are ages 8 to 12. NSTeens is an expansion of NCMEC's successful NetSmartz Workshop which is a web-based safety program designed specifically for children. Sprint provides funding for NSTeens through its Internet safety initiative, 4NetSafety(SM).

Both NetSmartz Workshop and 4NetSafety offer free resources to teens, parents, and teachers. Issues like online gaming, cyberbullying, and social networking are addressed through animated videos, games and other content. Since www.NSTeens.org was launched, the site has grown and expanded with new content added each year. NSTeens.org materials are also used in presentations by NCMEC's NetSmartz Workshop and have now been distributed to more than 550 schools and more than 250,000 students in grades 6-8.

Sprint's 4NetSafety Internet safety program is conducted in partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the National Education Association Health information Network and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The program is funded through Sprint Project Connect(SM), Sprint's charitable wireless recycling program. For more Internet safety tips or information about how to recycle a wireless phone and/or accessories, visit www.4netsafety.com.

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Research Breakthrough Kindles Hope For Diabetes Vaccine

2010-06-17T11:13:00.000-04:00

(NAPSI)-One day it may be possible to stop, prevent and even cure type 1 diabetes--and that day may be coming sooner than many think. That is the belief of the researchers behind the Diamyd diabetes drug currently being tested across the U.S.

Type 1 diabetes, or juvenile diabetes, is a serious disease, which renders a child dependent upon daily insulin injections for survival for the rest of his/her life. More than 1 million Americans live with type 1 diabetes, and the number of new cases among children is growing at an alarming rate of 3−4 percent every year. Unlike other medical conditions that may wane or be cured, you never have a day off from type 1 diabetes, and have to constantly check blood sugars, inject insulin and juggle the daily factors of food intake, stress, exercise, moods, growth and everything else that affects blood sugar levels.

A Vaccine to Prevent Type 1 Diabetes--and an Eventual Cure?

The underlying cause of type 1 diabetes is that the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks the cells that make insulin. By the time of diagnosis, most of the cells have been destroyed, and the trick is to keep the remaining ones from being killed off, too.

One of the latest efforts in this area is the DiaPrevent diabetes research study investigating the use of a drug called Diamyd, or GAD, which appears to stop or delay the autoimmune attack against the insulin-producing cells. The treatment consists of a few simple injections and has an impressive safety profile from previous trials. The scientists behind the DiaPrevent study hope to find that Diamyd preserves the remaining insulin-producing cells in children recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. "GAD therapy may soon contribute to a paradigm shift when it comes to how to treat new-onset type 1 diabetes," says Dr. Jerry Palmer, lead investigator of the nationwide study and professor of medicine at the University of Washington.

GAD may eventually even be used as a vaccine to prevent type 1 diabetes altogether. A pilot prevention study was recently started in Sweden with healthy children who have a high risk for developing type 1 diabetes, and further prevention studies are planned.

If the autoimmune attack is stopped, it may allow for regeneration of the lost insulin-producing cells to actually cure the condition in those already living with the disease. A smaller study combining Diamyd with drugs that stimulate regeneration of insulin-producing cells is evaluating this concept.

Be the First to Access the Vaccine

The DiaPrevent diabetes research study is actively enrolling participants between the ages of 10 and 20 who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes within the past three months. Those interested in participating or learning more can visit www.diaprevent.diamyd.com.

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President Bill Clinton Honors 179 U.S. Schools For Combating Childhood Obesity

2010-06-15T07:36:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation, today recognized 179 schools that have transformed their campuses into healthier places for students and staff. President Bill Clinton, American Heart Association Chairman Neil Meltzer, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation President and CEO Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey presented awards during an event in New York City.

The 179 schools hail from across the country, though the cities of Atlanta; Birmingham, Ala.; Boston; Lincoln, Neb.; Los Angeles; Miami; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; and San Antonio all boast multiple awardees. Many of the schools have diverse student populations, and more than two-thirds are located in lower-income communities. Each has distinguished itself with healthy eating and physical activity programs and policies that meet or exceed stringent standards set by the Alliance's Healthy Schools Program.

"The 179 schools earning recognition today - the most in any year in the Alliance's history - join the ranks of schools from all over the United States that have shown exemplary commitment to the health of their students and staff," President Clinton said. "The Alliance is pleased to assist in these efforts in more than 9,000 schools in all 50 states to make innovative and healthy changes that will turn the tide on childhood obesity."

Among the schools and healthy achievements honored today:

-- Memorial High School, in West New York, N.J., made sweeping changes to
its cafeteria; increased physical activity for students and staff
before, during and after the school day; and required that every
student take health and physical education annually. Memorial is the
first and only school to earn a Gold National Recognition Award from
the Healthy Schools Program.
-- Bumpus Middle School, in Hoover, Ala., pulled deep-fat fryers and
sports drinks out of its cafeteria and brought in whole grains, fresh
fruits and vegetables, water, and one-percent and nonfat milk.
-- Wilkerson Elementary School, in El Monte, Calif., provided physical
education training for all classroom teachers regardless of their
subject area expertise. School administrators supported this
commitment with the purchase of new athletic equipment and encouraged
teachers to make physical activity a part of every school day.

"Although the Healthy Schools Program aims to make all schools healthy, it has a special focus on communities most affected by the childhood obesity epidemic," Lavizzo-Mourey said. "The successes celebrated today show how much can be done from the cafeteria to the playground. At these schools, tough budget times and other challenges are no match for the commitment and creativity of administrators, teachers, parents and students."

The Alliance's Healthy Schools Program provides free assistance to more than 9,000 schools nationwide to help them reverse the national epidemic of childhood obesity. Schools are eligible for Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum National Recognition Awards as a result of implementing health-promoting programs. More than 350 National Recognition Awards have been presented to schools since 2006.

"There is no single cause and no single solution to the childhood obesity epidemic, which is why the Healthy Schools Program's comprehensive approach to making substantive changes in the culture of a school is so critical to its success," Meltzer noted.

In addition to the Healthy Schools Program, the Alliance brokers and implements voluntary agreements with industry leaders to provide young people better access to healthier foods, beverages, physical activity and health care. In March 2010, the Alliance announced the results of a three-year effort with the beverage industry to remove full-calorie soft drinks from U.S. schools and replace them with lower-calorie, smaller-portion beverages. That initiative helped to reduce calories from beverages shipped to schools by 88 percent from 2004 to fall 2009.

Earlier this year, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation became a Founding Member of the Partnership for a Healthier America, the independent, nonpartisan organization created to support the goals of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Campaign.

"It is clear that the momentum is building. In the past year, we have seen the Healthy Schools Program grow from 5,000 schools to more than 9,000," said Ginny Ehrlich, executive director of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. "We hope that every person interested in making a difference in the health of a school will join our Healthy Schools Network and become eligible to be nationally recognized for their efforts in future years."

The Healthy Schools Program is supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Any U.S. school can enroll and receive free assistance and support to become a healthier place for students to learn and staff to work. Find out more at HealthierGeneration.org.

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Ten Ways Parents Can Keep Children Safe This Summer

2010-06-08T09:28:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- School is out and summer is an exciting time for kids. What are your child's plans? Will he or she be spending time home alone or going to local parks and swimming pools with friends? The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children says there are ten things parents can do to keep their children safe this summer.

1. MAKE SURE children know their full names, address, telephone numbers
and how to use the telephone.
2. BE SURE children know what to do in case of an emergency and how to
reach you using cell phone or pager number. Children should have a
neighbor or trusted adult they may call if they're scared or there's an
emergency.
3. REVIEW the rules with your children about whose homes they may visit
and discuss the boundaries of where they may and may not go in the
neighborhood.
4. MAKE SURE children know to stay away from pools, creeks, or any body of
water without adult supervision
5. CAUTION children to keep the door locked and not to open the door or
talk to anyone who comes to the door when they are home alone.
6. DON'T drop your children off at malls, movies, video arcades or parks.
These are not safe places for children to be alone. Make certain a
responsible adult supervises your younger children at all times when
they are outside and away from home.
7. TEACH your children in whose vehicle they may ride. Children should be
cautioned to never approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless
accompanied by a parent or other trusted adult.
8. BE SURE your children know their curfew and check in with you if they
are going to be late. If children are playing outside after dark, make
sure they wear reflective clothing and stay close to home.
9. CHOOSE babysitters with care. Obtain references from family, friends,
and neighbors. Many states now have registries for public access to
check criminal history or sex-offender status. Observe the
babysitter's interaction with your children, and ask your children how
they feel about the babysitter.
10. CHECK out camp and other summer programs before enrolling your
children. See if a background screening check is completed on the
individuals working with the children. Make sure there will be adult
supervision of your children at all times, and make sure you are made
aware of all activities and field trips offered by the camp or
program.

"Child safety is important all year, but summer is an especially important time for parents and children to include safety in their activities," according to Ernie Allen, President & CEO of NCMEC. "Always listen to your children and keep the lines of communication open. Your children are your best source for determining if everything is okay. Teach your children to get out of dangerous or uncomfortable situations right away and practice basic safety skills with them. Make sure they know they are able to tell you about anything that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused."

NCMEC also recommends that parents be sure all custody documents are in order and certified copies are available in case your children are not returned from a scheduled summer visit.

For additional safety tips and information visit www.missingkids.com or www.netsmartz.org.

NCMEC is the leading nonprofit organization dealing with the issues of missing and sexually exploited children and operates a 24-hour toll free national hotline for reporting missing child cases. NCMEC has played a role in the recovery of more than 151,000 children and today, more children come home safely than ever before. Last year alone we helped recover 13,075 children, improving our recovery rate from 62 percent in 1990 to 97.4 percent today. And more of those who prey on children are being identified and prosecuted. Yet too many children are still missing and too many children are still the victims of sexual exploitation. There is much more that needs to be done.

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Ten Steps to Help Prevent Common Illnesses at Summer Camp

2010-06-07T10:44:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- As summer sets in, nearly six million campers will attend summer camps in the U.S.(1) And while summer is typically not know as cold or flu season, illnesses and injuries - some very serious - occur every year at hundreds of camps.

Flu viruses and infectious diseases spread quickly through camps due to the close contact of campers, soiled skin and surfaces and sharing of towels or clothes. Infectious diseases cause 20 percent of all illnesses among campers and staff members.(2) Additionally, sports camps have the added feature of common sports injuries that then make campers susceptible - through open wounds - to infection.

To help prepare for camp, parents should understand how to help prevent these illnesses and talk to their children.

"Talking about how to stay safe from infection and illness is a very important part of preparing for camp," said Grant Doornbos, M.D. in Louisville, Ky. and former National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athlete. "Especially those going to sports camps, if you have to show them what some infections look like in pictures, while sometimes scary, it can help them understand what to look for on their skin or their teammates' skin."

Ten prevention tips parents should share with their campers:

1. Throughout the day, wash hands with antimicrobial antiseptic soap or
alcohol sanitizers, if a sink is not available.
2. Wash hands and forearms above the elbow immediately before sports using
an antimicrobial wash or wipe that contains chlorhexidine gluconate
(CHG), such as Hibiclens soap or Hibistat® wipes. This protects the
skin from bacteria for up to 6 hours during skin-to-skin contact
sports.
3. Shower as soon as possible after sports activity in hot water with an
antimicrobial cleaner with four percent CHG, which kills germs
(including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA], a type
of staph infection that is resistant to many common antibiotics(2)) on
contact and for up to six hours after washing.
4. Clean sports equipment after use and ensure it dries completely after
cleaning. Use antimicrobial wipes or sprays on equipment that cannot
be washed. Make sure the contact time is observed from the label
instructions to insure disinfection.
5. Keep wounds covered with clean, dry bandages. Have them checked by a
doctor if they are red or won't heal or if flu like symptoms develop
(fever).
6. Put dirty clothes and towels in a separate bag, not in backpacks or
sports bags with clean clothing.
7. Wash and dry clothes and towels on the hottest setting possible. Make
sure all fabrics are completely dry before removing from the dryer.
8. Do not share any personal hygiene items, towels or clothing with
others.
9. Know the signs and symptoms of common skin-to-skin contact illnesses
including impetigo, ringworm and MRSA.
10. Tell a coach or camp counselor about a rash, bite or painful sore
immediately.

"I wish there had been sprays, wipes and soaps that killed these potentially dangerous bugs when I went to wrestling camp," said Dr. Doornbos. "I had to experience too many of these infections myself before I knew how to prevent them. Now, I don't go anywhere, especially the gym, without Hibistat wipes. We still see too many cases of athletes with bad infections that could have been prevented."

Free educational materials are available at http://www.hibiclens.com/parents.html to help parents, coaches and campers. Hibiclens® and Hibistat® are available at drug stores including CVS, Rite Aid and Stop & Shop in the first aid section. Hibiclens is available at Walgreens, Walmart and Target in first aid as well.

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Vacations From School Can Be Learning Opportunities

2010-06-05T11:21:00.000-04:00

(NAPSI)--Vacations from school can serve as opportunities for children and teens to brush up on essential skills-and reinforce what they learned during the school year.

Research shows that if students are not actively engaged in learning and practicing skills during vacation months, they lose some of what they were taught during the school year. According to the National Summer Learning Association, students typically score lower on tests at the end of the summer than they do at the beginning of the summer.

Many students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months. Fortunately, there are steps parents can take to keep their children engaged and interested in learning.

Here are a few tips to help:

• Schedule in visits to museums, trips to points of historical interest and exposure to nature through zoos and aquariums. All of these can be great learning experiences and lead to further reading and discussion.

• Take your children to the library. If your child likes movies or television shows, watch them together and then encourage your child to take out books on related subjects.

• Use online resources such as those provided by Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content to schools across the country.

These resources include:

The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, an environmental sustainability challenge for grades K-12.

Ready Classroom, a program that educates parents, teachers and students of all ages about severe weather and disaster preparedness for classrooms, families and even pets.

The Take Me FishingTM "Explore the Blue" online initiative, which engages teachers, students and parents in the importance of outdoor recreational activities and conservation.

Energy Balance 101, a free wellness resource for elementary teachers, students and families, which aims to deliver tools and information to help students make decisions for a healthy lifestyle.

To access these free resources, visit http://school.discoveryeducation.com. Discovery Education is a division of Discovery Communications, whose networks include Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.

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Teach your children about good money management

2010-05-26T15:01:00.000-04:00

(ARA) - Children learn the basics - math, English and science - at school. But when it comes to learning about saving and spending money wisely, the lessons begin at home.

"Helping children understand finances is very important, so that when they graduate and live on their own, they can fend for themselves and be financially secure both in their daily lives and their future," says Nick Fyntrilakis, assistant vice president of Community Responsibility for MassMutual, at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., Springfield, Mass.

According to a National PTA article on FamilyEducation.com, "money gives people -- both young and old -- decision-making opportunities."

"Educating, motivating, and empowering children to become regular savers and investors will enable them to keep more of the money they earn and do more with the money they spend," the article says.

Here are some tips to help you educate your children about good money management:

* Help them establish a savings account.
Children accumulate money in many different ways - ranging from birthday presents to jobs they've organized like walking a neighbor's dog or mowing lawns. But putting that money into a piggy bank doesn't do anything. Explain about interest, and find a bank or credit union that offers accounts that don't charge monthly fees, don't require a minimum account balance, have good interest rates and are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).

* Set a budget - both for yourself and your children.
Children follow by example, and you can make a good impression by showing them how you stay within a budget - whether it's for food, utility bills or fun activities. Help your kids establish a budget, and explain the differences between needs and wants.

* Make it fun with an app.
Check out Save! The Game, a free app parents can help their children download from iTunes for a fun "needs vs. wants" game. Also, consider speaking to children about establishing a savings plan, and how much of their income they should put away for the future. This is a good time for them to plan for larger upcoming expenses like owning a car, paying college tuition or renting an apartment.

* Discuss ways your children can add to their income.
Determine if you want to establish an allowance, or encourage them to be an entrepreneur and start their own business: set up a lemonade stand, wash cars, mow lawns and rake leaves, clean garages, babysit, etc. Helping them develop a good work ethic when they're young will also help them foster excellent employment skills when they join the real world as adults.

* Encourage them to contribute back to society.
Children may have an organization close to their heart or family they want to support. Visit MassMutual's Time for Kids website (www.TimeForKids.com/RightMoney) to see how they can narrow down the list of numerous non-profit organizations in the United States to just a couple they might have an interest in.

"Talking with your children at a young age about money matters will help them establish good financial skills before they're ready to enter the world as an adult," says Fyntrilakis.

Visit MassMutual's family finance website (www.MassMutual.com/FamilyFinances) for more education tips you can pass on to your children, and for up-to-date tips and calculators for adults as well.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Don't Take a Vacation from Good Nutrition This Summer

2010-05-26T07:49:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- During June Is Dairy Month, Dairy Council of California reminds moms that milk provides the nutrition kids need when they're out of school and not benefiting from the essential nutrients found in school breakfast and lunch programs.

By design, school lunches provide one-third of the recommended daily allowances of protein, vitamins A and C, iron, calcium and calories that kids need for healthy development. However, only a fraction of children have access to food programs over summer vacation. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service agency, of the 18.5 million children who received free or reduced-price breakfast or lunch during the 2008 school year, only 3.5 million children had access to summer food programs.

"Parents should take extra care to plan healthy meals and snacks this summer because good nutrition should never take a vacation," said Andrea Garen, M.A., R.D. and Project Manager with Dairy Council of California. "The tools and resources on our free meal planning website MealsMatter.org make it easy to keep kids healthy with nutritious meals and snacks all summer long."

Milk is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D and a good source of potassium, protein and vitamin A. Garen recommends that parents visit the MealsMatter.org website for recipe ideas and an interactive Calcium Quiz to make sure kids are drinking milk and getting the nutrition they need during summer vacation.

About 30 percent of all children ages 4 to 8, 90 percent of preteen girls and 70 percent of preteen boys don't get the recommended amount of calcium in their diets. Parents can use milk, yogurt and string cheese to provide affordable, convenient and good-tasting snacks and meals that provide the nutrition kids need year-round.

For a cool summer snack that's loaded with important nutrients, Garen recommends that moms and kids make a Strawberry Vanilla Shake. For each serving, blend one-half cup low-fat milk, one-half cup of low-fat or fat-free plain yogurt, 1 cup frozen strawberries and one-half teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and enjoy.

Visit MealsMatter.org for more nutritious and convenient breakfast, lunch and snack recipes that kids will love.

MealsMatter.org is a free family nutrition and meal-planning website staffed by registered dietitians and sponsored by Dairy Council of California. Healthy Eating Made Easier®

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Parents: Help Your Teens Party Right at Graduation

2010-05-12T08:49:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Graduation...

Graduation is a time to celebrate. But before your graduates party, take the time to talk with them about alcohol -- it just may save a life.

It's About Your Teen...

A teenager's brain is still developing and it is very sensitive to alcohol's effects on judgment and decision-making.

Alcohol Can Be Tricky...

If your graduates drink, they may temporarily feel elated and happy, but they should not be fooled. Ask them to consider these risks.

Their inhibitions and memory soon become affected--so they may say and do things that they will regret and possibly will not remember doing at all.

Their decision-making skills are also affected. They may become restless and aggressive. They may be more at risk for having an alcohol-related traffic crash, getting into fights, trashing a house, or making unwise decisions about sex.

Then there is what happens to their physical control--loss of balance, slurred speech, and blurred vision. Normal activities--even crossing a busy intersection--can become truly dangerous.

Too Much Alcohol Becomes a Deadly Poison...

If your graduates drink enough, they will eventually get sleepy and pass out. Reflexes like gagging and breathing can be suppressed. That means they could vomit and choke to death or just stop breathing. They may even be at risk for alcohol poisoning.

Before the celebrations begin, take a few minutes to talk with your graduate about the dangers of alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex, which prevents choking. Someone who drinks a fatal dose of alcohol will eventually stop breathing. Even if someone survives an alcohol overdose, he or she can suffer irreversible brain damage. Rapid binge drinking (which often happens on a bet or a dare) is especially dangerous because the victim can drink a fatal dose before losing consciousness.

A person's blood alcohol concentration can continue to rise even while he or she is passed out. Even after someone stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the blood-stream and circulate throughout the body. A person who appears to be sleeping it off may be in real danger.

Critical signs of alcohol poisoning include mental confusion, stupor, coma, or the person cannot be roused; vomiting; seizures; slow (fewer than eight breaths per minute) or irregular (10 seconds or more between breaths) breathing; and hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, and paleness.

Know the danger signals. If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, don't wait for all the critical signs to be present. If you suspect an alcohol overdose, call 911 immediately for help.

Think About It!

If graduates drink too much, it can mean trips to the emergency room, arrests, and sexual assaults. They could put themselves and their friends in real danger. Ask them to consider this: Is that any way to celebrate?

Talk With Your Graduate...

Research shows that parents do make a difference. Talking with your graduate about alcohol now could prevent serious problems later.

Remember...
Tell your graduate to play it safe and party right at graduation.

For more information, please visit www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov.

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Anti-Bullying Workshop Set for May 20 in Fayetteville

2010-05-11T07:43:00.000-04:00

Bullying is an unfortunate reality for many school children. Around 160,000 students miss school each day for fear of being bullied; 77 percent of children are bullied mentally, verbally and physically; and 3.2 million students in 6th-10th grade say they are victims of bullying each day.

These statistics are why the Fayette County Public School System, in partnership with local law enforcement and the Association of Village PRIDE, is offering an anti-bullying workshop on May 20, 7:30 p.m., at the Sams Auditorium on the campus of the LaFayette Educational Center.

The focus of the workshop will be on prevention and how to decrease bully/victim behavior at home and school. Participants will become better informed and equipped to access, manage, and respond to bullying behaviors and situations. Parents of elementary and middle school students are encouraged to attend.

Michael R. Carpenter, PhD and author of “Waging Peace,” will conduct the workshop. Carpenter is a nationally certified Olweus Bullying Prevention Program trainer, as well as a violence, drug, and student assistance consultant who lives in metropolitan Atlanta. The workshop will include a panel of local experts and a parent panel for questions and answers.

Tickets are available through the school system’s elementary and middle schools for a $5 donation each. They are also available at the Fayetteville and Peachtree City public libraries and at the door. All proceeds will be donated to Promise Place, which prevents domestic violence through awareness programs, educational training, and providing safe environments for victims and their families by utilizing legal advocacy, emergency shelters and transitional housing.

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Join PTC First Presbyterian for an Experience of Discovery June 21-25

2010-05-11T07:05:00.000-04:00

The First Presbyterian Church of Peachtree City invites all gradeschool children to an exciting week of discovery at the SonQuest Rainforest Vacation Bible School June 21-25. Be sure to register now for this delightful experience the children will love.

To register, click on www.firstpresptc.com and go to the Events tab. For more information, please call the church office at 770-487-7757.

The VBS discovery takes place:
June 21-25
9 am - 12 pm
First Presbyterian Church
206 Willow Bend Rd
Peachtree City

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Georgia State University offers summer camps for youth

2010-05-06T14:22:00.000-04:00

Area K-12 schools will soon be dismissed for summer, but Georgia State University offers a variety of programs to keep students learning and having fun during the break.

GSU’s College of Education, for example, will host a “Mystery Festival: Who Done It?” camp during the week of June 7-11 for students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade.

Presented by the Saturday School for Scholars and Leaders – the college’s yearlong program to provide educational enrichment for gifted students in metro Atlanta – the “Mystery Festival” camp will give students a chance to do forensic science tests of “crime scenes,” sort through evidence and use critical thinking skills to solve mysteries. Students will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day on the GSU campus.

“Our camp gives students hands-on activities and creative problem solving skills they may or may not be getting in the regular classroom,” said John Kesner, associate professor of early childhood education and director of the Saturday School for Scholars and Leaders.

The camp costs $295 per student. For more information on the “Mystery Festival” camp including an application, visit: http://education.gsu.edu/saturdayschool/NewFolder/DAYCAMP/Daycamp_2010.htm

For musically-inclined students, Georgia State’s School of Music is hosting the “Jazz Orchestra Atlanta Summer Camp” for rising 8th graders through high school seniors who want to grow their brass, woodwinds or rhythm section skills.

The camp will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21-25 on the GSU campus and will be taught by nationally recognized faculty, such a Gordon Vernick, associate professor of music and coordinator of jazz studies at Georgia State. The camp is MARTA accessible and lunch will be provided by Chick-fil-A. Special guest artists will also present master classes for students. Cost of the one week camp is $240 per student. A limited number of camp scholarships are available. Information and registration forms are available at www.orchestraatlanta.org or by calling 770-992-2559.

For students interested in leading the band, the School of Music and the GSU Marching Band are hosting the first “Student Leadership Institute” that will focus on developing the leadership skills for the state’s top band students in an exciting and interactive environment.

Students will participate in seminars, workshops and experience downtown Atlanta during June 4-5. Registration is $95 per student, but group rates are available upon request. The registration deadline is May 7. For more information, contact Mariel Reynolds, coordinator of community music programs, at 404-413-5902 or mareynolds@gsu.edu

Georgia State’s athletic coaches for football, baseball, men’s and women’s basketball and soccer offer youth camps as well. For more information and registration, visit: www.georgiastatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=12700&ATCLID=3724735

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